Tobacco store firebombing accused Bailey Hobbs fronts court
A sixth person accused of being part of a group involved in firebombs across Melbourne has faced court for the first time.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A sixth person, charged in relation to a spate of firebombings of mostly commercial premises across Melbourne, has been remanded in custody until May.
No application for bail was made when Bailey Hobbs, 23, of Sunshine West appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded back in custody until May 6.
He’s accused of setting fire to three businesses in Altona North, Sunshine West and Altona on January 9 and 12.
Mr Hobbs is also charged with aggravated carjacking in Brooklyn using a machete and receiving stolen goods.
Wearing a Nike t-shirt, Mr Hobbs was flanked by two security officers during the brief
appearance and sat calmly with arms folded.
Police have been ordered to file various documents before Mr Hobbs’ committal mention on May 6, including forensic analysis, DNA forensic report, and CCTV and body-worn camera footage.
Police last week arrested five Finks bikies over a spate of firebombings across Melbourne, including an arson attack on an Altona tobacconist that was targeted twice in 24 hours as well as arson attacks on an Altona cafe and tobacco stores in Moe, Croydon and Sunshine.
Mr Hobbs was arrested on Wednesday.
Police believe the men were connected to several targeted attacks since Christmas Day where entry was forced into each premises, before setting the properties alight.
The Special Operations Group arrested a 41-year-old Werribee man, a 30-year-old Templestowe man and a 32-year-old Albion man, who are all believed to be patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
They have been charged with offences including criminal damage and arson.
A 37-year-old Point Cook man and a 17-year-old were also arrested in relation to the firebombings.
‘Reckless policy’: Vic government stamp duty play a ‘trap’ for buyers
The Victorian government’s plan to discount stamp duty costs for off-the-plan unit purchases has been slammed as “reckless policy” destined to hurt some homebuyers.
Real estate guru’s Vic hotspot suburbs for 2025
The head of one of Australia’s biggest real estate firms believes Victoria’s property woes will improve in the new year, and he’s found the areas that will get the best of it. Find out where.