Illawarra ‘gunman’ Mason Evans denied bail despite lengthy trial delay

Mason Evans was due to stand trial in Wollongong on Monday, however his case was held over so a more pressing matter could proceed.

Previous court proceedings heard Evans spent 11 months in jail on remand over accusations he stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s step-father during a confrontation at Kanahooka in October 2016. 

However, Evans was found not guilty of wounding the man after a NSW District Court trial and released from custody in September 2017.

Police will allege Evans spotted the step-father and his partner at the Koonawarra shops a month later and began yelling at the man “f--- you, I got out you dog, I got found not guilty” before threatening to stab him “again”.

It is alleged Evans then lifted the back of his shirt slightly to reveal the handle of a gun tucked into his waistband.

The couple reported the incident to Lake Illawarra Police.

However, Evans is alleged to have harassed and intimidated the couple again less than a week later when he was allegedly seen pointing a shortened shotgun at their house from the passenger seat of a stolen car.

Evans was arrested on October 17 and has remained in custody ever since, however sought release on bail due to the significant delay of his trial.

Prosecutors opposed the application on account of the strength of their case against Evans and his lengthy criminal history, which includes previous breaches of court orders.

“There is significant risk to the community with the alleged use of a firearm in a public place,” Crown prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman said.

However, Evans’ lawyer, David McCallum, said his client would agree to live in a town in western NSW that was some 450km away from the Illawarra.

“He agrees not to come within a 50km radius of Wollongong but for court appointments and will report daily to police if released,” Mr McCallum said.

Judge Andrew Haesler refused bail, saying Evans presented an unacceptable risk to community safety if released.