Harris Kondzic, Jonathan Eversham, Amber Newman, Jahdan Tamati charged after man stabbed in anus during armed robbery

Four mates, including a top former junior basketballer who once aspired to play top-level college basketball in the US allegedly robbed two men, leaving one horrifically injured.

A top former junior basketballer is facing the prospect of years behind bars after allegedly taking part in an elaborate, premeditated armed robbery during which a man was stabbed deep in the anus.

Harris Kondzic, 28, of Moonee Ponds, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court for the first time of Friday, over the terrifying alleged robbery of two men at the Punt Hill apartments on Keilor Rd, Essendon North, in the early hours of April 8.

Former point guard Kondzic, who once aspired to play top-level college basketball in the United States, is one of four co-accused, alongside his alleged lover, Amber Newman, 37, Jonathon Eversham, 31, and Jahdan Tamati, 35.

The court heard Newman sent text messages to the two alleged victims “inviting him to meet her at the apartment” in the middle of the night.

The first alleged victim had part of his ear cut off, and was later found cowering in the bathroom, falling in and out of consciousness, when he told emergency services he had a knife inserted in bottom.

The second alleged victim was confronted by armed people — who police allege were Newman, Eversham, Tamati and Kondzic — and ordered to lie face down, at gunpoint, while his wallet, phone and keys were taken from him.

Harris Kondzic has been charged over a drug-linked armed robbery at Essendon North in April. Picture: Supplied/Basketball Australia

Harris Kondzic, 28 was granted bail. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

The first alleged victim refused to give a statement to police, and no charges have been laid over his horrific injuries.

A series of raids on the alleged offenders’ homes uncovered weapons, drugs, and clothes which matched those worn by the people at the apartment, including an illegal, extendible baton and bags of drugs at Kondzic’s home.

Kondzic’s barrister, Srerge Petrovic, on Monday attacked the police case, saying there was no direct evidence his client had brandished a weapon.

Detective Senior Constable Jesse Kozak told the court security cameras showed Kondzic arriving at the apartments on the night, and that his distinctive tattoo proved his identity.

Kondzic is facing charges of armed robbery, unlawful imprisonment, assault and drug possession.

The court heard he had a daily drug habit, was soon to be evicted from his rental property, and faced a long stint behind bars if found guilty.

In applying for bail, barrister Mr Petrovic said it could be years before his client faced trial, and that the case would be difficult to prosecute without the co-operation of man who was allegedly stabbed in the anus.

Kondzic had no history of violence, and his sister-in-law, Deanna Avzangelis, said she was “happy to have Harris” stay with her and her partner — Kondic’s brother, Dino — until a family investment property became available for him to live in.

The court heard Kondzic had only sporadic work as an end-of-lease cleaner, under contract with real estate agency Nelson Alexander.

Kondzic’s stepfather, Zoran Kacavenda, told Magistrate Belinda Wallington he would monitor his stepson closely, and would subject him to stern rules, including a total ban on drug use and overnight guests, while he stayed at the investment property.

Ms Wallington granted bail, saying there were “compelling reasons” to do so.

Kondzic, Eversham, Newman, and Tamati return to court in August.