Man camping at Merbein Common accused of role in violent home invasion

A Ballarat man camping in Merbein fronted court over allegations he joined two others in storming a Mildura home, attacking the resident, and damaging property.

Shawn Williams is accused of playing a role in a violent home invasion in Mildura. Picture: Generic

A Ballarat man, who is camping on Merbein Common while searching for a permanent home in Sunraysia, is accused of taking part in a violent home invasion in Mildura, a court has heard.

Shawn Williams, 45, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court seeking bail on charges including aggravated home invasion.

The court heard Mr Williams, and two co-accused, went to a Mildura property and allegedly assaulted a man and damaged the alleged victim’s vehicle.

Police alleged at 11.50am on Sunday, Mr Williams and his two co-accused rushed the alleged victim’s house, smashing through the front window after an unsuccessful attempt at kicking down the door.

It was alleged that once inside, one of the co-accused beat the alleged victim with a lump of wood.

It was further alleged that while the alleged victim was on the ground Mr Williams and his two co-accused kicked and stomped on him.

The court heard Mr Williams kicked the front bumper of the alleged victim’s Ford Ute while one of his co-accused smashed the front windscreen of the same vehicle.

Minutes later the trio left the scene of the alleged crime. Mr Williams and one of the co-accused were arrested shortly after.

Mr Williams appeared at Mildura Magistrates’ Court seeking bail on home invasion charges Picture: Mark Stewart

In his recorded interview, Mr Williams reportedly told police he was “just along for the ride” and claimed he was unaware of the group’s intent.

He initially denied kicking the alleged victim’s vehicle, but when he was challenged on that, police say he made admissions to doing so.

Police claimed there is CCTV that showed Mr Williams kicking the vehicle.

Mr Williams’ lawyer Bec Samuel said her client was living in Merbein Commons with his partner who was intellectually disabled and depended on Mr Williams for help and that the delay before his next court date showed exceptional circumstances.

“He is in an entirely different situation to his co-accused,” Ms Samuel said.

Magistrate Patrick Southey denied bail, saying the test was too high even though it wasn’t Mr Williams’ beef initially.

“I am sorry Mr Williams it is a high test. You’re mixing with the wrong people. It wasn’t your fight, but you were along for the ride,” Mr Southey said

Mr Southey noted that Mr Williams’ circumstances would make bail conditions difficult to enforce.

“You made a poor decision; you’re clearly on ice. Bailing you to Merbein Commons seems a hopeless situation,” he said.

Mr Williams is next set to appear for a committal mention on February 26.