A man, accused of assaulting an Islamic religious leader in a road rage episode, attempted to leap from the dock after his request for bail was denied.
Authorities reported that around 7:40 p.m., the couple was driving along South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South when they were allegedly targeted by individuals in a small black hatchback.
The suspect reportedly boxed in the couple’s car, driving recklessly to terrorize them before exiting his vehicle and kicking the imam’s car.
According to court statements, Imam Purdic was allegedly punched in the face, while his wife endured derogatory slurs, being called a “Muslim b—.”
Passersby stepped in to help, leading to the accused fleeing the scene in their vehicle.
On Sunday, Nicholls and his accomplice were apprehended in Dandenong South, facing charges of criminal damage and common assault.
The 22-year-old man was bailed to appear at court in May, while Nicholls briefly faced Dandenong Magistrates Court yesterday.
His bail application was adjourned to today as he was withdrawing from drugs and was unfit to see a magistrate.
Today, Detective Senior Constable Courtney Milner told the court Nicholls was also facing separate allegations of choking a woman.
It’s alleged he attacked the woman in December, choking her twice until she felt faint and dizzy.
The detective said Nicholls was an immediate risk to the woman’s safety and no bail conditions could alleviate those concerns.
But Nicholls’ lawyer said his client should be bailed because he had available treatment for drug and anger issues through the court-integrated services program.
Nicholls could also live with his mother in stable accommodation at a Dandenong South caravan park, the lawyer said.
But Det Sen Const Milner raised concerns about the address, saying the co-accused from Saturday’s incident also lived in the same caravan park.
Magistrate Hugh Radford also flagged that as an issue as he refused Nicholls’ bail application.
He accepted it was Nicholls’ first time in custody and the CISP program would assist him if released.
But Radford said Nicholls would be facing a jail term if convicted, noting the choking allegations were relatively strong and the alleged attack on the imam was concerning.
There was commotion in the court as the magistrate handed down his decision, with Nicholls swearing and trying to jump out of the dock.
His mother ran to him but the guards pulled him from the courtroom.
Nicholls was remanded in custody to return to court in February.
