Magistrate grants bail to father of cop bash accused brothers
The father of two brothers accused of bashing a top cop has been freed, but he’s been banned from using social media and contact with sons Jay and Isaiah.
Law & Order
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The father of two brothers accused of bashing a top transport cop has gained freedom after being arrested for intimidating police.
But Jared Pihlgren, 49, has been banned from using social media and contact with sons Jay, 20 and Isaiah Stephens, 18, who are charged over a July 15 attack on Assistant Commissioner Chris O’Neill.
Mr Pihlgren was charged with using a carriage service in a menacing manner and using intimidation towards Mr O’Neill.
Two other charges relate to taking a photo during a court case at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and publishing it on Facebook.
Mr Pihlgren made a self-represented bid for bail but magistrate Bob Kumar said he was an unacceptable risk of reoffending and would endanger the community.
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But on returning to court on Friday — this time with a lawyer — he was granted bail.
Mr Pihlgren labelled Mr O’Neill a “maggot dog” and on social media posts threatened to urinate on him.
In another post, the court heard, he wrote: “When I catch you in the street I’m going to hurt you. I am going to hunt you down.”
Mr Pihlgren did not want to speak to the media, instead giving the finger to cameras, on his release from custody.
He will have to return to court on September 6.
His sons are charged intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury, and intentionally and recklessly causing injury.
The eldest, Jay Stephens, remains behind bars, while Isaiah is on bail.