Jaiden Courtland-Maunder granted bail at Tweed Heads Local Court after allegedly bashing, robbing Murwillumbah mechanic
The mum of a Byron man accused of savagely bashing a Tweed mechanic with a steel pipe and robbing him wept as her son allegedly linked to the so-called Mexican Hoon Cartel was bailed.
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The mum of a Byron man accused of brutally bashing a Tweed mechanic with a steel pipe and robbing him wept as her son allegedly linked to the Mexican Hoon Cartel was bailed.
Jaiden Courtland-Maunder, 26, faced Tweed Heads Court over audiovisual link from custody.
Courtland-Maunder, who was supported in Tweed Heads Local Court by family including his grandparents, has not entered any pleas.
Crown prosecutor Oliver Gilson told the court on Friday that Courtland-Maunder was “heavily affiliated” with threatening Gold Coast group the Mexican Hoon Cartel.
Police alleged in court documents Courtland-Maunder runs a street racing and “hooning” business – and his supposed mantra is “no plates, no face, no case”.
The venture named in documents, “Street Sicarios”, has done business at Varsity Lakes, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) states.
Police allege Courtland-Maunder was “hooning” around Assassin Automotive Solutions in Murwillumbah’s industrial estate close to midnight on Christmas Day 2022.
A Ford Falcon was spotted driving erratically on Kite Cres Rd, police state.
“The victim picked up a broken tile and walked into the middle of the road to stop the car from driving dangerously,” it’s alleged in court documents.
The mechanic threw the tile at the car and it’s alleged Courtland-Maunder hopped out with an accomplice, who punched the mechanic to the ground and kicked him.
It’s alleged the man was led to the shop and told to pay up for damage to the Ford.
Police believe Courtland-Maunder and the accomplice left and returned with balaclavas, armed with a steel pipe.
It’s alleged Courtland-Maunder deemed $35 not enough, said tools would be taken and the mechanic reached for a tomahawk.
Police allege Courtland-Maunder struck him several times in the head and body with the pipe, spattering blood.
Courtland-Maunder allegedly stole the man’s driver’s licence and warned: “We’ll be back, we know where you live.”
He suffered facial fractures, a large head wound, split lip, swelling and a loose tooth.
Courtland-Maunder told police he had nothing to do with the robbery, but police allege he was found with a piece of the tile.
Mr Gilson opposed bail and said “the robbery was in company, Courtland-Maunder was armed and a serious wound was inflicted”.
“Courtland-Maunder is heavily affiliated with a group called the Mexican Hoon Cartel, who are known to use intimidation techniques,” he said.
Mr Gilson said Courtland-Maunder knows where the mechanic lives and made threats.
But defence lawyer John Donald Weller said CCTV footage did not match the mechanic’s version of events.
“The victim’s allegation of being punched and kicked on the ground wasn’t captured on the footage … the victim consumed 10 bottles of beer leading up to the incident,” he said.
Mr Weller said Courtland-Maunder's behaviour was reckless – but provoked by the worker throwing the tile at the car.
“He made the mistake of going back and intimidating the mechanic and deeply regrets getting out of the car,” he said.
Magistrate Geoffrey James Dunlevy granted bail.
“He has been on remand for almost six months without any contact with the victim and has no criminal history,” he said.
“The court does have some concerns for failing to appear and for the safety of the victim, but I’m of the view the court can address those concerns.”
He spoke of Courtland-Maunder’s strong community ties and said he would likely comply with conditions, including not entering Murwillumbah.
The case was adjourned to December 15.
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Originally published as Jaiden Courtland-Maunder granted bail at Tweed Heads Local Court after allegedly bashing, robbing Murwillumbah mechanic
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