Man refused bail over Sydney protest

16 Sep 2012, 3:55 pm   -   Source: AAP

A man charged with affray after a Sydney protest against an anti-Islam film has been refused bail.

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A father of three charged with affray after a Sydney protest against an anti-Islam film turned violent has been refused bail.

Ahmed Elomar, a 29-year-old champion boxer, was one of six men charged over demonstrations in central Sydney on Saturday but the only one denied bail.

The other defendants will face court next month.

Elomar displayed little emotion as he appeared in Parramatta Bail Court via video link on Sunday wearing a T-shirt displaying the phrase "6th pillar".

He had been charged with affray and previously breaching bail for driving offences.

Defence lawyer Greg Scragg argued that his client had not taken part in alleged acts of throwing bottles at police during the Sydney protest, adding that a shoulder injury sustained from a skiing accident in August had been exacerbated by his arrest.

"He was caught up in circumstances that got out of hand," Mr Scragg said.

"His arrest was not justified. His arrest was done in circumstances of over-policing.

"He was taken to the ground. While he was on the ground he was kneed in the back, he was sprayed with pepper spray."

Magistrate Andrew George said Elomar had breached bail for driving offences and could not be trusted to obey his bail conditions.

"His disqualified driving offence raises concern that he's a person who holds contempt for orders made before the court," Mr George said.

Elomar's matter was adjourned until September 18 for a plea or mention at Central Local Court.

Police were called to Parramatta Bail Court after one of Elomar's supporters threatened cameramen from the Seven and Nine networks with violence.

The police were summoned by court authorities. Ten supporters left the courthouse without incident.

Police prosecutor Paul Bush told the court Elomar had a balaclava in his possession when he was arrested and searched.

"There was some attempt to disguise his identity," Sgt Bush said.

"The activities of yesterday were of significant concern to the community of NSW."

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