A pair of tan work boots, gloves and shotgun cartridges allegedly tie a Canberra man to a firefight which saw an ex-bikie boss lose the top of his middle finger, a court has heard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Axel Sidaros, 25, fronted an ACT Supreme Court jury on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, arson, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and aggravated burglary among other offences.
Mr Sidaros has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In his opening remarks, prosecutor Trent Hickey said Mr Sidaros was one of four men who shot up and firebombed the Calwell home of former Comanchero ACT president Peter Zdravkovic on June 28, 2018.
The attack was allegedly part of a bikie feud in the ACT after Mr Zdravkovic left the Comancheros and sent photos to gang members burning his colours - "an extremely provocative act in outlaw motorcycle gang culture", Mr Hickey said.
Dramatic CCTV footage shown to the court depicted three men sneaking on to the property about 10.30pm and shooting at a naked Mr Zdravkovic through a glass sliding door, before setting cars alight with petrol.
Mr Zdravkovic's partner, appearing as a witness, told the court she was laying on their bed watching funny videos and he had just gotten out of the shower when she heard loud bangs. She later heard a "whoosh", which sounded like something being set on fire.
"He told me to get down on the floor," she said.
"I just felt really helpless at the time."
Mr Zdravkovic grabbed his rifle and shot back at the trespassers, Mr Hickey said. When his partner realised the firefight was over, she went to retrieve their now four-year-old son from his bedroom.
There was shattered glass and petrol inside the house's kitchen and living area, she said.
When Mr Zdravkovic came back inside, he showed her his finger and asked her to call triple zero: "There was blood everywhere," she said.
The attackers fled in a stolen four-wheel drive and allegedly fired bullets into another home down the street. Police later found the car burnt-out near a paintball centre off the Monaro Highway, Mr Hickey said.
Officers had a search warrant for Mr Sidaros and allegedly found work boots and gloves similar to those in the CCTV, and shotgun cartridges similar to those found at the crime scene.
Mr Sidaros told police he had his guns stolen on the night of the attack, but the prosecution said it was a lie.
Defence barrister, Ian McLachlan, said there was no question that the attack happened and that Mr Sidaros had links to the Comancheros, but he denied any involvement in the incident.
The remaining four of a total eight charges he faces include attempted arson, discharging a firearm and endangering life, riding in a car without consent, and discharging a firearm 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.
