The aftermath of a firefight and firebombing in suburban Canberra saw a street stained with blood, a bullet fished out of a former bikie leader's bed, and police seize "provocative" photos of him burning his colours, a court has heard.
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Constables and crime scene investigators took the witness stand on Monday to give evidence in the ACT Supreme Court trial of Axel Sidaros, 25.
Mr Sidaros is accused of being one of four men to sneak onto the Calwell property of former ACT Comancheros president Peter Zdravkovic on June 28, 2018.
Dramatic CCTV footage shows the men shooting at Mr Zdravkovic through a glass door - resulting in the loss of the top of his finger - and setting several cars alight. Mr Zdravkovic shot back at the men with a rifle, prosecutor Trent Hickey previously told the court.
Mr Sidaros denies any involvement in the attack. He has pleaded not guilty to eight charges including attempted murder, arson, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and aggravated burglary.
On Monday, the jury was shown several pictures of Mr Zdravkovic's home in Calwell the day after the attack. It was declared a crime scene and covered with dozens of evidence markers.
Blood stains were found on the road and curb outside the house, a black ute in the driveway was burnt out, and glass from a blasted back sliding door littered the living room. A red jerrycan, which an investigator said contained petrol, sat behind the lounge.
A team leader in ACT Policing's gang-targeting Taskforce Nemesis told the court there had been multiple attempts to harm Mr Zdravkovic at his home.
A falling out with the Comancheros "culminated" in Mr Zdravkovic sending photos to gang members burning his colours. When questioned by Mr Sidaros' defence barrister, Ian McLachlan, on the matter, the man agreed the action was provocative "when you're in that sort of world".
The court previously heard there was a "hit" out on Mr Zdravkovic after he left the gang. In the months leading up to the June 28 attack, he was shot at in his backyard and a bullet grazed his head.
On another occasion, Australian Federal Police officers informed Mr Zdravkovic and his partner they had pulled over a man who intended to shoot up the house.
He had also received threats on social media. One depicted a news reader and said he had 24 hours to hand over his Mercedes, bikes and colours, while others showed three large red bullets and bikie gang members holding guns.
When police seized Mr Zdravkovic's phone after the attack, they found social media messages he allegedly sent to Comanchero members.
One said: "They say they took my bike. U wish you f---n' shit-eating f---s [sic]". Another said: "Day after Sky fire looking pretty f---ing good for someone that's meant to be in a coma [sic]".
The court heard police seized three firearms, including an Adler shotgun, ammunition, work boots and gloves at Mr Sidaros' house after the attack.
Mr Hickey previously told the court police believed the boots and gloves were similar to those worn by a man in the CCTV, and the cartridges were similar to those found at Mr Zdravkovic's house.
Mr Sidaros' remaining charges are attempted arson, discharging a firearm and endangering life, riding in a car without consent, and shooting into a building.
The trial continues.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
