Teens charged over St Kilda stabbing could get bail by Christmas
Two teenage boys charged with affray and violent disorder following the fatal stabbing of Hashim Mohamed at St Kilda beach might be released on bail before Christmas.
The pair, aged 16 and 17, applied for bail in a children’s court on Thursday, when defence lawyers suggested conditions such as a curfew or non-association orders could reduce their risk to the community if released.
Hashim Mohamed was fatally stabbed in St Kilda on December 4.
A magistrate heard police had concerns about the possibility of conflict in the community involving two groups, and officers were expected to make more arrests.
The boys were denied bail on Thursday, but will return to court next week after they are assessed for a youth justice order. The magistrate said if an order was in place, he would grant the pair bail.
“If [a youth justice order] is in place, I do intend to grant bail,” he said.
The teens, both from Melbourne’s west and who cannot be identified, were arrested and charged with affray and violent disorder this week following Mohamed’s death on December 4.
Mohamed was that night found unresponsive with stab wounds at St Kilda beach, near Pier Road, after emergency services were called over reports two groups of males were brawling near the foreshore.
The 18-year-old died in hospital.
Lawyers for the accused teens on Thursday raised issues about the poor quality of CCTV images obtained by police, which showed more than 20 youths gathering at St Kilda.
But a homicide squad detective said investigators did not want the footage aired in court yet because it would be “detrimental” to their case, as “a number of people still need to be arrested”.
Forensic analysis is also yet to be completed on items seized such as knives and blood found at the crime scene.
Youth justice workers said they also needed more time to discuss with police “safety plans” and any concerns officers had about other young people and their families in the community.
The 16-year-old needed to be assessed for an injury to his right hand, the court heard. Both he and the 17-year-old had never been in custody before.
Their case will return to court next week.
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