Salim Mehajer in solitary confinement ahead of domestic violence trial
Solitary confinement. No fresh air. No medication. These are the conditions Salim Mehajer is facing as he awaits trial.
The lonely, bare cell Salim Mehajer has been trapped in 24/7 is a far cry from the luxurious cars and motorbikes he once took on joy rides across Sydney.
While prison is not new to the infamous former developer, who has been locked up since April 2021, a court has heard his recent months have been particularly onerous.
However, the former Auburn deputy mayor could be released from prison as early as January 18, when he is eligible for parole on unrelated offences.
While deciding whether to grant Mehajer bail on alleged domestic violence offences against his ex-partner, Judge Mark Williams noted Mehajer had been in solitary confinement for several months.
“He describes in graphic detail the circumstances of currently being locked in his cell 24 hours a day,” Judge Williams said in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.
“He has no access to the exercise yard, he doesn’t have a chair … he has to sit on his bed or on the concrete floor”.
Judge Williams said Mehajer has medical issues which were not receiving adequate treatment.
“He’s not receiving medication for bipolar disorder while in solitary confinement, or generally in custody,” he said.
The reason behind his most recent stint in solitary confinement was not aired in court on Tuesday.
Appearing via video link, Mehajer wore a green prison T-shirt, had slicked back hair and was holding a pile of documents in his hands.
He looked relieved as Judge Mark Williams granted him bail for seven charges: four counts of assault and single counts of intimidation to cause fear of physical or mental harm, intentionally choke with recklessness and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard he is due to face trial for the charges in March.
In Tuesday’s hearing, crown prosecutor Ms Sharma opposed Mr Mehajer’s bail application, arguing there was a risk he would contact his alleged victim.
But Judge Williams granted it, satisfied the proposed conditions would mitigate that risk.
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