anyone got access to the article?
Six men which police have alleged operated as a joint criminal enterprise have faced court in Bankstown in relation to an alleged break and enter, and intimidation.
Michael Iata, Logan Iata, Samaoso Burke, Mavoni Tuifua, Ahmed Eltigani Mohamed, and Tevita Loko are alleged by police to have attempted to break into the Cultura Auto Detailing business in Revesby, intimidating the workers.
They’ve faced two charges each: aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
Mr Tuifua also faced one charge of driving a motor vehicle while disqualified.
The court heard that the charges are more serious as the police allege the men were operating as a joint criminal enterprise.
All six cases were heard in Bankstown Local Court on Thursday, with the men granted bail.
The court heard that three cars pulled up to the location, with the men allegedly splitting into two different groups and banging loudly on the front and back doors of the venue.
Employees then hid under tables, terrified, as they called the police, the court heard.
Pawel Kulisiewicz, acting on behalf of the Iata brothers and Mr Mavo argued that it would be hard for the prosecution to prove the joint criminal enterprise element of the charges.
Magistrate Glenn Walsh disagreed, stating that the alleged co-ordinated nature of the offences gives weight to the argument the men were operating as a joint criminal enterprise.
Magistrate Walsh did agree with Mr Kulisiewicz’s arguments on the possibility of the charges to be downgraded to attempted break and enter, but told the court the legal consequences if proven guilty would be the same.
Police prosecutor Sgt Yavin Kumar argued against all six of the co-accused being released on bail, citing concerns of them failing to appear, committing further offences, and presenting a danger to the community.
Sgt Kumar also made reference to past trouble with the law with Logan Iata, as antecedents for bail.
Michael Iata was originally denied bail by Magistrate Glenn Walsh, finding that he posed an unacceptable level of risk to the community, failing to appear, or committing further offences.
Nejee Makhoul, the lawyer arguing on behalf of Tevita Loko, Ahmed Mohamed, and Samaoso Burke convinced Magistrate Walsh that his clients had been cooperative with police — making reference to the tendered facts — after which they were granted bail.
After the co-accused were granted bail, Magistrate Walsh heard from Mr Iata’s lawyer, Mr Kulisiewicz, who submitted that Michael Iata had also co-operated with police.
The original decision to deny bail was reversed.
All six men were granted bail, with similar conditions, including the provision that they do not associate with each other.
That is also a condition for Michael and Logan Iata, despite the fact that they are brothers.
All six of the co-accused are due back in court on June 9.