A teenager charged for his alleged part in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl has been denied bail in a Sydney court.
Michael Angok, 18, applied for bail at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
His lawyers argued he had strong family support, would adhere to a 8.30pm to 6am curfew, would avoid his co-accused and not visit Doonside, the western Sydney suburb where the alleged gang rape occurred.
They also said his mother, who was present in court with two of his sisters, was prepared to offer a $2000 bond.
But Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman denied bail after a 20-minute application.
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"This offence is very serious and the custodial penalty, if convicted, is significant," she told the court.
"Bail should be refused."
It's alleged Angok and at least three of his friends forced a 14-year-old girl to the ground in a Doonside park and sexually assaulted her for about half-an-hour in early February.
He turned himself into police about a week after the attack.
The court also heard that Angok's family home was attacked twice on the night of the alleged gang rape.
His mother has since moved to a hotel, fearing further reprisals.
Angok was smiling at his relatives in the public gallery when he appeared on a large monitor in the court, with a toothpick wedged in the side of his mouth.
But when he was denied bail he looked crushed and slumped back down in his chair.
He will remain in custody until he appears via audio visual link before the same court on May 8.
Angok's lawyer indicated to the court that he would apply for bail again at the next mention.
