VIC:Alleged burglar denied bail

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2010
VIC:Alleged burglar denied bail

By Melissa Iaria

MELBOURNE, Aug 6 AAP - The elderly victim of a terrifying robbery in his Melbourne
home has been sent back to hospital for a month because he is so traumatised.

One of the 85-year-old man's alleged attackers, aged 21, was refused bail on Friday
after magistrate Fiona Stewart ruled he was a danger to community safety and posed an
unacceptable risk if released.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard the victim woke about 2am on July 24 to find
two men in his bedroom doorway demanding money before assaulting and threatening to kill
him.

Police allege that during the frightening two-hour attack, the elderly man was hit
in the head with a bottle of wine, had his wrists tied together, was slapped across the
face and had drink forced down his throat.

One of his two attackers allegedly told him, "I'll kill you, you old bastard and bury
you in the backyard," an earlier bail hearing was told.

The victim's home was ransacked in the robbery and items including alcohol, jewellery,
clothes and a guitar were stolen.

He also suffered a broken rib, wrist abrasion and soreness and was left severely traumatised.

Police told an earlier hearing he fears his attackers will return to his Bulleen home
and kill him.

On Friday, the court heard the victim had been readmitted to hospital for a month due
to anxiety and stress.

The accused man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with offences including
aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, making threats to kill and false imprisonment.

Police opposed his bail bid, believing he will reoffend if released.

In her ruling, Ms Stewart said he failed to show enough reason to warrant his release.

The court has heard the accused man was alcohol-affected on the night, is diagnosed
with bipolar disorder and has a history of drug and alcohol abuse.

His co-accused faces similar charges and will face the same court in October.

AAP mi/pmu/dep/apm

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