Bailey Hobbs fronts court alleged arson of a Sunshine business

A Finks bikie nabbed in relation to a spate of firebombings of tobacco stores across Melbourne is alleged to have carried out an arson attack on a business in Sunshine.

A neuropsychological report has been ordered ahead of plea for a Finks bikie accused of firebombing a business in Sunshine.

Bailey Hobbs, 24, of Sunshine appeared in the County Court on Monday via a prison link for pleas on charges of arson, possession of methylamphetamine and handling a stolen credit card.

However, his defence team sought a psychological report before pleas were entered and the court was told it took between two to three months for a report to be prepared.

Mr Hobbs and four others were arrested in January 2024 over the firebombings, 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.

A car was used to ram the front door of this tobacco shop in Altona before the vehicle was set on fire. Picture: David Crosling

Others arrested were Murat Shomshe, 42, of Werribee, Stan Zanakas, 30, of Templestowe, Albion’s Nicholas Kirby, 32, and Ben Valerio, 37, from Point Cook.

Valerio has pleaded guilty to four charges of arson and will be sentenced on February 6 while others have yet to enter pleas.

Mr Hobbs was remanded in custody to appear on April 28.

Police believe the syndicates responsible for tobacco wars are comprised of people from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs, who are then engaging local networked youth, street gangs and other low-level criminals to carry out the offending.