A Warrawong man police claim is linked to the 2011 killing of Balkan underworld figure Saso Rivstevski has been identified as father-of-nine Talatau Dal Amone.
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Amone, 37, appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Friday afternoon charged with three counts of being an accessory before the fact to armed robbery, with wounding.
Police allege Amone organised for three men to confront Ristevski on September 28, 2011 at his parents’ Lake Heights home with the intention of robbing him, however Ristevski was shot during the interaction and died at the scene.
Prosecutors told the court during Amone’s bail application that one of the trio involved in the would-be robbery had turned on him, allegedly giving his name to police as the facilitator of the crime.
The alleged connection between Amone and Ristevski, or how the pair knew each other, was not revealed in open court.
Defence lawyer Danny Lagopodis said Amone, who has just become a father for the ninth time, “categorically denied” the charges.
“It’s my submission the case against my client is not a strong one,” Mr Lagopodis said, calling into question the credibility of Amone’s accuser.
“The charges against my client are based on innuendo by a person alleged to be involved in the actual commission of the offence.
“The only evidence the police have is [that of] a co-accused – how does that make it an objectively strong prosecution case?”
In seeking bail for his client, Mr Lagopodis said Amone’s brother would agree to put up a $10,000 cash surety to secure his release.
Mr Lagopodis said Amone needed to be at liberty for upcoming scheduled surgery, as well as to look after his wife as she recovered from complications during birth.
Police opposed Amone’s release, saying the case against him was strong and they feared for community safety is he was released.
Magistrate Mark Douglass refused the application, remanding Amone in custody until next Wednesday, when he is expected to make another bid for bail.