Teen arrested for alleged part in planning bikie shooting bids for bail because of ‘baby face’

A teen who is alleged to have been involved in the planning of the shooting of an ex-bikie has argued he should be given bail because he is “baby-faced”.

A teenager who is alleged to have helped co-ordinate the attempted murder of an ex-bikie boss should be released on bail because he was “baby-faced” and a risk of being targeted in jail, his lawyer has told a court.

Yasir Al Qassim appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday in a bid to be released on bail after he was arrested last month over his alleged role in the shooting of ex-Mongol chief Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim.

Mr Abdulrahim, 30, had stopped in traffic on Box Forest Rd, Fawkner on June 25 when two shooters pulled up next to him and volleyed seven shots into his black Mercedes 4WD.

Mr Abdulrahim, who had been attending his cousin’s funeral that day, was placed in intensive care after being shot five times and ultimately survived.

The two shooters crashed a stolen Mazda into a fire hydrant before carjacking another car and fleeing the scene.

The court previously heard that the two men had since fled the country on stolen passports.

Yasir Al Qassim has applied to be released on bail.

Mr Al Qassim is not accused of being one of the shooters, however he is alleged to have been involved in planning the attempt on Mr Abdulrahim’s life.

He has been charged with attempted murder, possessing a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle and driving while suspended.

Mr Al Qassim is alleged to have bought petrol cans used in the torching of the stolen getaway cars and facilitated the phones and passports used by the shooters to flee the country.

He is also alleged to have played a role in cloning the number plates used on the stolen cars.

Police also say his DNA was found on gun cartridges found at the scene of the shooting.

The court has heard it would be alleged that Mr Al Qassim had a “strong association” with a Middle Eastern crime gang which police believe was responsible for a number of recent shootings in Melbourne.

The court heard on Thursday it was alleged Mr Al Qassim was a “participant” and “instrumental” in the attempted hit.

The court heard Mr Al Qassim had no criminal history and had never been in custody until he was arrested on August 29.

Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim was hospitalised after being shot several times. Picture: Instagram

His barrister Adam Chernok told the court he would have to enter into protective custody to ensure his safety in prison.

“Your honour, can see that he really is very baby-faced,” Mr Chernok said.

“He is 18, but he looks considerably younger … In my respectful submission, he is going into the adult system, his appearance alone, his tender age make him more vulnerable in that particular environment.”

Mr Al Qassim’s brother told the court the 18-year-old retained the support of his family and could offer him employment.

Mr Chernok offered a non-association clause in his bail conditions to mitigate the allegation he was associated with a gang.

He also said he would abide by strict bail conditions, including a curfew, as well as offer a $70,000 surety.

Police opposed his application to be bailed to live with his mother in Epping, describing him as a flight risk.

The bail hearing was adjourned until Monday in order for a further Youth Justice report to be produced.

Originally published as Teen arrested for alleged part in planning bikie shooting bids for bail because of ‘baby face’