An Albion Park man accused of brutally bashing his one-time mate over alleged dodgy workmanship on a car has been refused court bail.
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Police allege Benjamin Elphick, 26, repeatedly punched the victim, kicked him with steel-cap boots and hit him in the head with a rubber gas hose while he lay on the floor of Elphick’s garage.
The victim, a mechanic by trade, was left with shocking injuries to his hands including a shattered right index finger and a badly broken thumb. He may never be able to work again, police said.
Documents tendered to Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday said the victim sent Elphick a text message on the evening of July 14 saying he was coming over for a visit.
When he arrived at the house, he was directed into the garage at the rear of the property, where Elphick and two other men were sitting.
It is alleged Elphick locked the door behind the victim before twice punching him in the face and saying “that’s for nearly killing me...you said the car was fixed”.
The victim told police he attempted to correct Elphick, however received another punch in the face, causing him to fall over.
Elphick allegedly told the man “stay down or I’ll tie you up and take you for a drive to the bush”.
Police claim Elphick then kicked the victim multiple times. The man was forced to use his hands to protect his face from the attack. He was allegedly hit with the rubber hose during the ordeal as well.
The victim asked to leave, however Elphick allegedly told him to sit down and “chill out, relax, have a pipe”.
The four men then smoked some ice before the victim asked Elphick to sell him half a gram of the substance.
He paid $150 for the drugs then left the house, at which time Elphick allegedly told him “no hard feelings and no repercussions”.
The victim phoned his brother, who arrived in the Illawarra early the next morning and took him to hospital.
Elphick was arrested on July 17 and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He told police the victim had been assaulted inside the garage that night but claimed he was not responsible.
In refusing bail, Magistrate Michael Stoddart rejected a $20,000 surety from Elphick’s employer, saying there were no bail conditions that could be imposed ensure the safety of the community.