‘Line ball’: Judge grants alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arsonist bail
One of two men accused of firebombing the Adass Israel Synagogue will be released from prison to live with his mother as his case continues through Victoria’s courts.
A man accused of firebombing the Adass Israel Synagogue has been freed on strict bail conditions to live with his mother.
Giovanni Laulu appeared via video link from Barwon Prison on Friday as magistrate Leon Fluxman delivered the decision, acknowledging it was a “line ball” call that would upset a Jewish community still shaken by the December attack.
Police allege Mr Laulu and two accomplices used 100 litres of fuel, a stolen Volkswagen and an axe to break into the Ripponlea synagogue about 4.15am on December 6 before setting it alight.
Prosecutors argued Mr Laulu posed an unacceptable risk given his history of violence, repeated breaches of court orders and the strength of the case, which includes new DNA, phone-tracking evidence and CCTV linking him to the stolen vehicle.
His barrister had argued that curfews, exclusion zones and a $20,000 surety from his mother would sufficiently manage any risk.
In handing down his decision, Mr Fluxman noted the accused had not been charged with terrorism offences and there was no evidence of anti-Semitic motivation, but said he remained a risk requiring stringent controls, including a 9pm-6am curfew and a ban on entering Ripponlea or any synagogue.
“I accept it’s a line ball decision. Reasonable minds would differ,” Mr Fluxman said, as he ordered Mr Laulu be released on 22 “stringent conditions which will have a significant curtailment of his liberty”.
He will return to court later this month for a bail review.
In summary documents released to media on Friday, co-accused Younes Ali Younes, 20, was caught saying “Gotta play it smart mate, don’t wanna go back to jail” in footage allegedly filmed a day after the suspected terror attack.
In the video, Mr Younes is allegedly heard making the remark beside a small fire in the Somerton Road underpass at Roxburgh Park, where police later located scorch marks consistent with the fire.
The video, taken at 10.24pm and on December 7, is among the new evidence released to media as part of the court’s hand-up brief.
Investigators say the footage shows a small fire burning on the ground while a male believed to be Mr Younes declares: “Yep, that’s what happens when you’re wanted, and the Prime Minister wants you as well and it’s on the news, you know what I mean, so that’s what happens.”
Newly released phone data also shows that Mr Laulu was allegedly using a burner phone between November 25 and December 6.
The device was used to exchange messages with his then girlfriend 27 times, his sister five times, his mother once, an associate 46 times and another associate identified in documents as “Jermaine Vaivao”, three times.
Mr Vaivao was charged with theft of motor vehicle regarding the stolen Volkswagen, court documents state.
Phone tower data allegedly places the burner phone at several key locations matching CCTV of the stolen blue 2020 Volkswagen Golf, including Brimbank Shopping Centre, Tarneit South, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing and Hadfield.
CCTV also recorded Mr Laulu refuelling the stolen Volkswagen at a Tarneit service station at 7.40pm on December 5, paying in cash. Police say Mr Laulu has never held any driver licence or permit.
Further forensic findings include DNA allegedly linking Mr Laulu to the interior of the stolen Volkswagen on multiple high-contact points that include: rear driver-side internal door release, rear passenger-side door release, front passenger door release, steering wheel, gear stick, infotainment screen and cloned number plates.
DNA was also located on a ‘Bayford Volkswagen’ number plate frame found on the ground outside the synagogue, consistent with investigators’ theory that it fell out during a change of cloned registration plates shortly before or during the attack.
A letter from the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation aired in court stated the attack had “traumatised every segment” of the roughly 2000-strong community.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NEWSWIRE
