The NSW government wants the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider opposing bail granted to two men charged over the alleged contract killing of a crown witness.
Anthony Saliba, 29, and Adam Keith Watt, 46, are free to be released on bail after the DPP decided not to challenge their release in NSW’s highest court.
They were among five people arrested last week following the death of crown witness Gemahl Maika.
The alleged gunman, 33-year-old Maximmilian Mazzilli, from Tweed Heads appeared in Parramatta Bail Court via videolink last week.
The court heard Mazzilli, from Tweed Heads, was paid $200,000 for the killing and admitted to the killing in taped conversations with an undercover police officer.
His lawyer argued in court for Mazzilli to be released on bail, saying no forensic evidence tied his client to the crime scene.
Bail was refused because of concerns about the safety of other witnesses.
NSW Attorney-General Brad Hazzard has asked the DPP to reconsider its position concerning bail for Watt and Saliba.
‘I have expressed concern on behalf of the community and asked that the DPP review all relevant aspects of the criminal matters with which Mr Watt and Mr Saliba have been charged and specifically whether or not the DPP could appeal against the decision,’ Mr Hazzard said in a statement.
‘The DPP is independent of government and must make independent decisions as to prosecutions and bail applications but as attorney-general I am determined that the community view will be heard and considered.’
Mr Maika, 38, was shot outside his Glen Alpine home in Sydney’s southwest in April 2011, after giving evidence to police about a multi-million-dollar cocaine syndicate.
Saliba and Watt, a former kick-boxing champion, were granted bail in the Parramatta Local Court last Thursday under the state’s new bail laws.
But they remained locked up for a further three days after police filed an application to appeal to the Supreme Court.
However, the DPP indicated it wouldn’t go ahead with a bail review on Tuesday.
Saliba and Watt will now be eligible for release on bail, as long as they meet their conditions.
Saliba and Watt have been charged with accessory before the fact to murder and Saliba is also charged with murder.
Christine Saliba was granted bail last Friday, while Maximilian Mazzilli applied for bail on Thursday but it was refused.
Luke Sparos didn’t apply for bail when he appeared in court last Thursday.
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