Brendan Nicholls attempted to escape from the Dandenong Magistrates' Court after his bail application was refused. The 23-year-old man was restrained by court officers and returned to a cell.
Allegations and Charges
Mr. Nicholls was charged with criminal damage and unlawful assault on Monday. These charges relate to an incident where imam Ismet Purdic and his wife were allegedly attacked after an encounter with another vehicle on a Melbourne highway.
Police allege that on Saturday, Mr. Nicholls, along with a 22-year-old Cranbourne East man (the driver) and an 18-year-old Dandenong South woman, were involved in an altercation on the South Gippsland Highway. The driver allegedly brake-checked the Muslim couple's vehicle and attempted to sideswipe them while yelling obscenities at Mr. Purdic's wife.
When both vehicles stopped at a traffic light, the three individuals allegedly exited their car, punching and kicking the couple's vehicle, which resulted in a broken side mirror. Mr. Nicholls is accused of then punching Mr. Purdic. Members of the public intervened, and the trio reportedly fled the scene.
Bail Application Details
Police opposed Mr. Nicholls's bail application, citing him as an "unacceptable risk" to the community. Concerns were raised regarding separate charges Mr. Nicholls faces for allegedly choking a woman in December. Additionally, police noted that Mr. Nicholls's co-accused lived in the same caravan park as his mother, where he intended to reside if granted bail.
Mr. Nicholls's lawyer advocated for bail, stating it was his client's initial time in custody and suggesting that his drug and anger issues could be managed through close supervision by court services.
Mr. Nicholls is scheduled to return to court in February. The 22-year-old Cranbourne East man involved in the incident was granted bail on Monday, while the 18-year-old woman was released pending summons.