Melbourne wannabe gangster fatally shoots mate by accident after this shotgun photo

JUST moments from disaster, this is one of the last gun-toting pictures taken of a wannabe gangster before he shot one of his best mates dead.

JUST moments from disaster, this is one of the last gun-toting pictures taken before a wannabe gangster shot one of his best mates dead.

The photo was among a series taken by mates on the night Albert Rapovski accidentally shot dead Mahamd Hassan.

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Soon after posting this shot, one of Albert Rapovski’s best mates was dead.

A court evidence picture shows Albert Rapovski posing with a loaded shotgun shortly before he shot one of his best mates dead. Picture: AAP/Victorian Courts

One of Rapovski’s mates joins in the selfie action before disaster struck.

Albert Rapovski arrives at the Supreme Court. Picture: Tony Gough

Mahamd Hassan.

Albert Rapovski (centre) with Mahamd Hassan (R) and another friend (L). Picture: Courts

The moment of madness today saw Rapovski, 20, jailed for eight years for what Supreme Court judge Justice Michael Croucher described as a “breathtaking lack of judgment”.

“Drugs, guns and stupidity do not mix,” he said.

Rapovski and Hassan, 22, were with friends in a room at the Parkside Inn Motel in Kingsbury when the fatal accident occurred on March 5.

Hassan had told his killer to unload the shotgun when he arrived at the room in case he accidentally shot someone.

Rapovski opened the gun and another friend removed two cartridges.

Hassan, Rapovski and other friends who’d also come to the motel room then played with the gun and posed for photos.

Rapovski aimed the gun at Hassan’s head while Hassan held up his phone camera to capture the moment.

He was killed when Rapovski fired the gun into his face.

The Parkside Inn Motel. Picture: Hamish Blair

Police at the motel following the fatal shooting. Picture: Hamish Blair

Officers at the scene of the fatal shooting. Picture: Hamish Blair

Rapovski fled the scene and planned a trip to Macedonia, claiming he needed to urgently visit a sick grandmother.

He had not slept for days before the killing and was high on GHB.

Justice Croucher said he accepted the killing was accidental, but slammed Rapovski’s attempt to flee Australia as disgraceful.

“Mr Rapovski had no intent to harm Mr Hassan,” Justice Croucher said.

“He was his friend.”

Rapovski was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a count of manslaughter following a deal with prosecutors.

He must serve a minimum non-parole period of five years.

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