A court hearing for a man accused of a violent, racially motivated attack on a Bosnian Islamic leader and his wife was dramatically delayed on Monday after the defendant was deemed unfit to appear due to drug withdrawal.
Chaotic Court Scene as Accused Screams from Cells
Brendan Nicholls, 23, could be heard screaming from the cells at Dandenong Magistrates' Court after being charged with criminal damage and common assault. His lawyer informed the magistrate that her client was at risk of self-harm and was undergoing drug withdrawal, making it impossible to bring him up to the courtroom.
The lawyer confirmed that the screams audible in the courtroom were those of Nicholls. Consequently, the magistrate remanded him in custody to return to court on Tuesday, where he may apply for bail.
Details of the Alleged Hate-Fuelled Attack
The incident occurred on Saturday night around 7:40pm on the South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South, Melbourne. Police allege that Nicholls and a 22-year-old co-accused from Cranbourne East racially abused Imam Ismet Purdic and his wife.
The couple's vehicle was allegedly boxed in by a small black hatchback. The occupants then hurled objects at their car, drove dangerously to intimidate them, and got out to assault the Imam and threaten his wife. According to the Australian National Imams Council, Imam Purdic was punched in the face during the altercation.
Bystanders intervened, prompting the alleged attackers to flee the scene. Both men were arrested in Dandenong South on Sunday. The 22-year-old co-accused was bailed to appear in court in May. An 18-year-old Dandenong South woman allegedly in the car was released pending summons.
Community Outcry and Condemnation
The attack has provoked widespread condemnation from religious and community leaders. The Bosnia Herzegovina Islamic Society in Noble Park, where Imam Purdic has served for over 12 years, condemned the assault in a social media post.
The post revealed the Imam's gratitude that his children were not present, noting the 'profound trauma' caused. It described him as a religious leader, educator, and interfaith advocate who promotes 'peace, coexistence and mutual respect.'
The Australian National Imams Council labelled the alleged attack as 'cowardly,' stating, 'No family in Australia should fear being attacked simply for their faith, appearance, or identity.'
Victoria Police issued a strong statement, asserting there is no place for prejudice-motivated, religious-based, or hate-based behaviour in society, and that such activity will not be tolerated.
