A Figtree mother has handed over $10,000 to secure her teenage son's release after he allegedly confronted a man in his front doorway armed with a machete and demanded money.
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Luke Paul Black's mother Simone has been ordered to forfeit the money and babysit her 19-year-old son while on bail.
The bricklayer by trade fronted Wollongong Local Court on Monday after being arrested on Friday night and charged with assault with intent to rob while in company causing wounding.
Magistrate Jillian Kiely granted Black strict conditional bail due to his age, no criminal history and family support.
"What a way to start [a criminal history] with one of the most serious offences in the Crimes Act," she said.
"The charge carries a 25 year maximum term of imprisonment.
"A full time custodial sentence is on the table if convicted."
In documents tendered to court, police will allege Black along with two unidentified men were armed with a machete and two metal bars when they went to the victim's Mangerton unit on Friday night about 9.30pm.
The 53-year-old man, who is allegedly known to Black, opened the front door of his Johanson Crescent home after hearing a knock before the trio tried to force their way in.
Police allege Black demanded money, however the victim refused and a struggle to open the door ensued before the man was wounded on the top of his head causing significant bleeding onto the door and surrounding area.
The trio did not get into the door and the man, along with his girlfriend, chased the trio from the home, down the stairs and out the front door of the unit block where they got into a silver Ford Territory and drove away.
The victim called emergency services and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Wollongong Hospital.
Police spoke to the man at the hospital where he identified Black as the alleged man who tried to break-in.
Patrolling police arrested Black in a silver Ford Territory, about 12.30am along Crown Street, Wollongong.
During an interview at Wollongong police station, Black denied knowing the alleged victim and claimed to have never been to his house and did not know why he was named as the alleged attacker.
He had a minor cut to his right knuckle.
In court on Monday, police prosecutor James Sala opposed Black's release on the grounds he could endanger the safety of the victim and community and there was a potential risk of Black not appearing in court as he could serve a custodial sentence if convicted.
Defence lawyer Adam Booker said Black denied the allegations, claiming he was not at the victim's house and was instead with his long-term girlfriend.
Mr Booker said his client had strong support from his family, who had no criminal associations, nor did Black have drug or alcohol problems.
"The allegations do not fit in anyway to his life," he said.
Black will be required to live at his mother's house in Figtree and report to police daily.
He can not contact or go near the victim or witness, not leave his home unless in the company of his mother, present himself to the door if police arrive and not to enter the suburb of Mangerton.
His mother also entered a $10,000 bond that she risks losing if he breaches his bail.
The case was adjourned to September 23.
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