Anthony Mokbel has been compelled to give evidence about Kensington shooting
Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel’s nephew will be forced to give evidence about the night a man was killed and two others injured when shots were fired at a crowded boxing match in Kensington.
Police & Courts
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Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel’s nephew will be forced to appear in court next week and give evidence under oath about a fatal triple shooting at a crowded boxing match in Kensington last year.
The Herald Sun can reveal Anthony Mokbel is the latest witness to be compelled to testify in the trial of four men, who allegedly opened fire at the packed Melbourne Pavilion, killing a young father and wounding two others.
Gang-busting detectives told a special hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this month that the young Mokbel’s testimony was “crucial” to their investigation.
Mr Mokbel has been compelled to take the witness stand after it emerged he was at the March 1 fight night and fled from the venue in a cab with Brittany McGuire — stepdaughter of underworld uncle Tony — and her friend just moments after the shooting rampage began.
Echo taskforce detective Stuart McFarlane said investigators had been told about his movements on the night but had no solid evidence until Ms McGuire and friend Shanae Pericic recounted the events in court during compulsory examination a fortnight ago.
Ms McGuire, who is dating one of the accused shooters, Abdullah El Nasher, said she fled the venue after a stranger pointed a gun at her and friend Mikhael Myko, who has also been charged over the shooting.
“I heard (Anthony) calling my name,” Ms McGuire said.
“I ran outside ... my cousin (Anthony) came out and we hopped in a cab with Shanae,” she said.
Ms Pericic said she was trapped in the pavilion during the shooting but was led to safety by Horty Mokbel — Anthony’s father — and left with the group in a cab.
Mr Mokbel is among five further witnesses who have been compelled to give evidence after refusing to co-operate with the investigation.
None of the five men are suspects but have so far refused repeated requests to provide statements to police.
Abdullah El Nasher, his older brother Ali, Mikhael Myko and Osamma Allouche, all aged in their 20s, are accused of opening fire and killing Craigieburn father Ben Togiai, 30, and wounded two other men.
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It comes as prosecutors warn a committal hearing listed for five days in March is likely to drag on for weeks.
Almost 30 witnesses will be called, many of whom attended the event organised by underworld figure Mick Gatto.
Police believe the violence was sparked after an altercation between two groups of men during the event — after both groups were ejected from the venue.
Prosecutor Neill Hutton said the volume of evidence and witness testimony meant the hearing could last “three days ... or three weeks”.