Brendan Nicholls: Man accused of road rage attack on Imam Ismet Purdic denied bail

The young man accused of a “road rage” attack on a Muslim religious leader in Melbourne has lashed out after he was denied bail.

Brendan Nicholls, 23, pleaded in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to be released to live with his mother and stepfather, two days after he was taken into police custody.

Mr Nicholls was charged with assault and criminal damage on Sunday for allegedly attacking Imam Ismet Purdic, who heads the Islamic Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHIS) Noble Park Mosque, the previous day. He did not defend himself.

Outlining the alleged circumstances, Detective Senior Inspector Courtney Milner said Mr Purdic and his wife were heading north on the South Gippsland Hwy at around 7.40pm on January 10.

He said Mr Purdic was driving about 20 to 25 km/h below the speed limit when the black Volkswagen Golf behind them began honking its horn and driving “erratically”.

Constable Milner said the vehicle passed Mr. Purdic and then deliberately slowed down and swerved to prevent him from passing.

The driver, Mr Nicholls’ alleged accomplice, allegedly shouted: “F–k off b—h, Muslim b—h”.

The officer alleged the three men inside the Golf got out of their vehicle and began punching and kicking Mr Purdic’s car after it entered a service station and damaged the Toyota Kluger.

Officer Milner claimed Mr. Purdic was punched in the head after exiting his vehicle.

A woman, who police said was waiting to file a criminal complaint upon a summons, allegedly shouted “Muslim b—h” at Mr. Purdic’s wife after bystanders intervened before the trio left.

The court was told Mr Nicholls and two others were arrested at around 9.30pm on January 11, where he gave an interview without comment and was charged.

Mr Nicholls’ lawyer told the court it was accepted the charges were serious but said the young man’s risk of offending could be met by “appropriately robust bail conditions”.

He said the Bunnings employee’s mother was supportive of her son and offered him to live in a spare bedroom.

However, Judge Hugh Radford found that he was not satisfied that Mr Nicholls met the compelling reasons for bail test and that there were no bail conditions that would reduce his risk.

He said he was deeply concerned by allegations that he had committed a “road rage” crime against a couple he did not know.

Mr Nicholls was heard shouting “this is bullshit” as he was led out of court as his mother threw herself to the ground sobbing.

Loud shouts and banging could be heard as he was being taken away.

He was remanded in custody to return to court on February 4, his lawyer asking the court to note that this was Mr Nicholl’s first time in custody and that he was off drugs and needed to be seen by a custody nurse.

On Monday, Mr Purdic thanked supporters for their concern and said Australians must continue the fight against hate, including Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.

In a statement, BHIS Mosque said Mr. Purdic had served the community as a religious leader, educator and interfaith advocate for more than 12 years, promoting peace, coexistence and mutual respect.

“He called on all Australians to work together to prevent such hatred and violence,” the statement said.

The alleged attack was condemned by the National Imams Council of Australia, which said it was “a disturbing reminder of the visibly increasing danger facing Australian Muslims”.

The statement said, “The imam was punched in the face and his vehicle was damaged, and the surrounding people intervened to prevent further damage.”

“The psychological trauma suffered by the victims is severe. No family in Australia should have to fear being attacked simply because of their beliefs, appearance or identity.”

The council has warned of an increase in Islamophobic abuse, threats and physical attacks since the alleged Bondi terror attacks, blaming political rhetoric and irresponsible media commentary.

On Monday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the alleged attack, saying there was no place for hate in Victoria.

“I want to say very clearly to the Muslim community, especially Muslim women, that every day I will support your right to live freely in this state, free from hate, and I will also fight for your right to move around our society safely and with dignity,” she said.

The second defendant, a 22-year-old from Cranbourne East, was charged with criminal damage and common law assault and was bailed to appear in court in May.