Tony Mokbel’s jail attackers taunted gangland figure
Underworld kingpin Tony Mokbel’s attackers yelled “you’re not an enforcer” as they stabbed and punched the former gangland boss in a brutal jailhouse assault.
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Tony Mokbel’s attackers yelled “you’re not an enforcer” at the drug kingpin during a frenzied jailhouse stabbing which left the underworld figure fighting for life.
Fresh details can be revealed after Teira Bennett and Eldea Teuira pleaded guilty to a savage attack on Mokbel in Barwon Prison’s exercise yard on February 11 this year.
The pair, both 21, pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence after a charge of attempted murder was struck out by prosecutors.
A summary of the incident released by Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg today revealed Mokbel was king-hit then stabbed up to seven times by Teuira in a “frenzied” attack while being kicked in the head by Bennett.
“Bennett retrieves a shiv from the front of his pants and ... appears to lift his body up to strike him in the upper shoulder area,” the summary read.
“Mokbel does not move from the time of Bennett’s first punch and is unable to defend himself throughout the assault.”
As prison officers ran towards the commotion, the pair were heard yelling “You’re not an enforcer, this is what you get for talking to the screws you f---ing dog.”
Prison officers visited the underworld figure the same day to ask if he had any concerns regarding the report.
Mokbel told staff he was not concerned and believed someone was just “out to make money”.
The next day, CCTV captured Mokbel attending the 21st birthday party of Teuira during which the men “briefly embraced” and chatted.
About an hour later Bennett and Teuira launched their attack on their unsuspecting victim.
As they were being dragged away by officers Teuira yelled “happy birthday bro” to Bennett.
A second prisoner was also stabbed whilst coming to the aid of Mokbel with both men pleading guilty to recklessly causing injury over the offence.
Three shivs were located at the scene of the bloody attack, which left Mokbel with critical injuries that required him to undergo an emergency craniotomy, and he was placed in an induced coma for four days.
His recovery was further complicated by a lung infection.
The summary states it is “very likely” he would’ve died from his injuries if not for the quick response by emergency staff.
MORE: MOKBEL’S APPEAL CASE MUST BE ‘TOP PRIORITY’
Mokbel has not made any statements to police regarding the incident and prosecutors said they do not expect to receive a victim impact statement from him.
Bennett and Teuira did not speak during the brief committal mention where they appeared separately via video link.
When asked to enter a plea to the two charges they both simply answered: “guilty”.
Mr Rozencwajg thanked both parties for resolving the matter so quickly.
“I just want to compliment the parties in this matter for expediting this,
“Especially high profile cases seem to drag on, I think its really good its been brought to this head,” Mr Rozencwajg said.
Bennett and Teuira will next appear in the County Court for a plea hearing on October 4.