Shepparton’s Jai O’Donnell to stand trial for alleged carjacking, robbery

A Shepparton rapper, who has been accused of a carjacking, has been committed for trial and copped a warning for avoiding his bail conditions.

Budding Shepparton rapper Jai O'Donnell fronted the Shepparton Magistrates' Court after he was charged with carjacking and intentionally causing serious injury. Picture: Facebook

A Shepparton rapper facing a string of alleged aggravated offences has been committed to stand trial.

Jai O’Donnell, 34, fronted Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for a committal and application by police to oppose bail.

Mr O’Donnell was charged with carjacking, assault, intentionally causing injury, being a prohibited person to possess a firearm, affray, failing to give police access to his mobile phone and armed robbery.

He pleaded not guilty.

The court then heard police believed Mr O’Donnell was an unacceptable risk to the community and applied to oppose his bail which was granted last year.

Informant Senior Constable Anthony De Cicco said police were alleging Mr O’Donnell had failed to comply with some of his current bail conditions including reporting and curfew.

Magistrate Allison Vaughan said Mr O’Donnell was “walking a fine line” but did not revoke his bail.

“Police are not impressed and I am not impressed you are not attending the station a week out from your committal,” she said.

He was accused of stealing a vehicle on April 29 by using force on another person and while allegedly possessing a firearm.

Shepparton rapper Jai O'Donnell has performed gigs across Victoria and has a significant Instagram following. Picture: Facebook

Charge sheets revealed the musician allegedly robbed a man’s backpack that contained a MacBook Pro, AirPods, night vision goggles, a Gucci shoulder bag and an unknown quantity of drugs and money valued at more than $8000, on the same day.

It is alleged he robbed the man while he was holding a firearm and multiple bats.

Senior Constable De Cicco said police were shocked by the “savage nature” of the alleged offending and were concerned the accused would interfere with witnesses.

Ms Vaughan said Mr O’Donnell might find the conditions cumbersome and unwarranted but he would “find prison far more cumbersome”.

She also told him to “stay away from witnesses”.

“This is a very clear warning, abide by your conditions because if you don’t I suspect police will be red hot on an application to revoke bail.”

The budding rapper goes by the name “Jugada” and has an Instagram following of 17,000 followers.

Mr O’Donnell will appear in the Melbourne County Court for a directions hearing on June 5.