Man refused bail over 2012 shooting death

AHMED Refaieh, 27, was arrested at Central Local Court on Tuesday morning after appearing on drug charges in an unrelated matter.
After being led away in handcuffs, Refaieh was charged on Tuesday afternoon with the murder of a 38-year-old man at a house in Punchbowl on November 27, 2012.


 He was also charged with the attempted murder of a 34-year-old man who was hospitalised with gunshot wounds on the same day. In refusing him bail at a late hearing on Tuesday, Magistrate Les Mabbutt said police alleged the murder was a "retribution shooting" linked to a drug transaction. Refaieh had also allegedly admitted the crime to another person, he said. But defence lawyer Hassan Hallak said his client denied making any such admissions. "The prosecution case is circumstantial at best," he said.

 While he conceded Refaieh had offended in the past, Mr Hallak said the 27-year-old had complied with recent court orders. "There is nothing that would suggest that my client wouldn't appear in court," he told the court. Mr Hallak offered to increase his client's security to more than $70,000 if he remained on bail. But Mr Mabbutt rejected the application, saying he had convictions for violence and firearm offences and was satisfied the 27-year-old could reoffend if released. Throughout the application, Refaieh smiled and waved to two women supporting him in court. The 27-year-old is due to reappear at Burwood Local Court in November.