A 25-year-old man charged over four arson attacks in Melbourne allegedly linked to a conflict over illicit tobacco, and a mechanic arrested as part of the investigation, remain behind bars.
Epping man Majid Alibadi did not apply for bail as he faced Melbourne Magistrates Court late on Jan. 31.
Police charge sheets show he is accused of setting fire to a Tullamarine reception centre, arranging a fire at a Glenroy shop and twice setting fire to a Docklands restaurant as residents in apartment blocks slept nearby, putting them at risk of death.
Alibadi also allegedly set several cars alight and assisted another man as he demanded an unnamed person hand over $500 (US$329.05) a week, implying his store would be damaged if the money wasn’t paid.
A prosecutor told the court investigators were sifting through a large amount of DNA, firearms and crime scenes and asked for 12 weeks to compile a brief of evidence.
Alibadi wore a black Nike t-shirt and spent much of his short appearance staring ahead with his arms crossed.
Thomastown mechanic Frederico Bruno, 48, was denied bail after the prosecution argued he was a risk to the community.
A police prosecutor alleged officers found a handgun in a fridge, two other firearms and ammunition stored in ziplock bags during a search at his business on Tuesday.
Detective Bonita Di Giangregorio told the court she thought he had a “cavalier” attitude during his arrest, claiming he needed the guns “for protection”.
“My concern is he failed to see the seriousness of the charge ... I’m not entirely sure he wouldn’t obtain more firearms for protection,” she said.
Bruno’s lawyer argued the mechanic was a family man with no relevant criminal history and it would be hard to get anyone to replace him at work due to the specialised nature of his skills in relation to performance vehicles.
However, Magistrate Jarrod Williams said the allegation of a loaded gun in a fridge meant it was likely placed in a position where it was freely accessible, which, in his view, was serious.
The mechanic will return to court in February.
Alabadi will next appear in May.
