MCG
Share this @internewscast.com

A “low-level gangster” who sneaked a loaded gun into a packed MCG will be sent a stern warning when sentenced for his actions.

Omar Salma, 21, of Roxburgh Park, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, after being charged with firearm offences along with committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

He pleaded guilty after being found with a gun at the MCG during the highly anticipated AFL match between Collingwood and Carlton, observed by over 82,000 fans in April.

MCG
The MCG, where Salma was arrested.(via Getty Images)

Magistrate Brett Sonnet shut down prospects of avoiding jail time, outlining a history of significant offences over the past three years.

Defence lawyer Emma Turnbull informed the court that Salma had no criminal record prior to 2022, a pivotal year marked by a series of traumatic events, including the loss of two siblings.

The court was told the accused began to suffer with substance abuse in the years following. 

Ms Turnbull said Salma had undertaken as a “reckless, foolish and regrettable” set of circumstances by bringing the firearm into the MCG. 

The court was told Salma had previously been charged with a string of offences including affray.

Mr Sonnet said it appeared Salma had been leading “the life of a low-level gangster”. 

“It’s truly alarming that Victoria has reached a point where individuals believe it’s acceptable to bring a loaded firearm into the MCG,” he stated.

“The message must be unequivocally clear that those who deem it suitable to carry firearms in public need to understand that the court will enforce severe penalties.”

The police prosecutor emphasized that the community must be confident that bringing a firearm into a public space will lead to serious repercussions, regardless of the person’s intent or situation.

He said the sentence imposed must send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Ms Turnbull said Salma was entitled to a significant discount for the speedy resolution to the matters.

The magistrate said he would receive the benefit for a plea of guilty “there’s no doubt about that”.

Salma has been in custody for 151 days and will return to court for sentencing on Friday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Teens in circle holding smart mobile phones - Multicultural young people using cellphones outside - Teenagers addicted to new technology concept

Online Age Verification Achievable but Not Universally Applicable

Online age verification can be conducted effectively; however, a “one-size-fits-all” solution does…

Criticism Arises Over $400 Million Nauru Deal for Deporting Former Detainees

The Greens and refugee advocates have expressed disapproval over a substantial agreement…
Police release video of three 'vehicles of interest' over missing Brisbane man

Police Share Footage of Three ‘Vehicles of Interest’ in Connection with Missing Brisbane Man

Police investigating the suspicious disappearance of Brisbane man Andrew Burow have released…

Neo-Nazi Group Attacks Individuals at First Nations Protest

Indigenous groups and politicians have condemned a violent neo-Nazi attack on a…

Rebels Report Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Strike

The prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi government and several other ministers were…
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss matches during The Ashes this summer

Pat Cummins Injury More Severe Than Initially Thought, Major Setback for Aussies Before The Ashes

Pat Cummins faces a nerve-wracking lead-up to the summer after updated scans…
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 31: A Tesla Model Y is seen on a Tesla car lot on May 31, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Tesla's Model Y has become the world's best selling car in the first quarter of 2023. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Tesla Recalls Thousands of Vehicles Due to Window Malfunction

Thousands of Teslas have been urgently recalled over an issue with their…

Australia-Wide Marches and Opposition Demonstrations Underway

Six people have been arrested during the protests in Melbourne, Victoria Police…
Xi and Modi talk friendship in a 'chaotic' world as Trump's tariffs bite

Xi and Modi Discuss Strengthening Friendship Amid Global Turmoil While Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect

Chinese leader Xi Jinping communicated to India’s Narendra Modi that fostering friendship…
Broadway arrests

Two People Taken into Custody Following Alleged Assault on Police Officer at Sydney Bar

Two men have been charged after allegedly attacking a police officer during…

Greta Thunberg Embarks on New Voyage to Protest Israel’s Naval Blockade on Gaza

Key Points Climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined a flotilla of aid…
Greta Thunberg joins second aid flotilla bound for Gaza

Greta Thunberg Joins Second Humanitarian Mission to Gaza

A fleet has set sail from Barcelona to the Gaza Strip, carrying…