21yo accused of setting car alight, anti-Israel vandalism in Sydney granted bailBy Danuta KozakiTopic:Courts7m ago7 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 8:25amA 21-year-old accused of spray-painting anti-Israel slogans, and setting a car alight in Sydney's east has been released on bail. (Supplied: NSW Police)In short:A 21-year-old man accused of spray-painting anti-Israel slogans and setting a car alight in Sydney's eastern suburbs has been granted strict conditional bail. In November last year, three buildings and 10 cars were vandalised, with one vehicle set on fire.What's next?The 21-year-old will be under strict home detention with an electronic bracelet and only allowed out accompanied by a parent during his bail.abc.net.au/news/nsw-anti-israel-car-graffiti-sydney-east-granted-bail/105274614Link copiedShareShare articleA 21-year-old man accused of spray-painting anti-Israel messages and setting a car alight in Sydney's east has been granted strict conditional bail.In November, 10 cars and three buildings were vandalised in Woollahra.NSW Police said one of the cars were engulfed in flames, with the vehicle next to it damaged as well.At the time, police said two men were had been captured on CCTV footage spray-painting the cars along Woollahra's Wellington Street.Amongst the spray-painting, one car was set alight, with the flames damaging a second vehicle.Days after his alleged acts, Mr Farhat — then aged 20 — was arrested at Sydney's international airport and charged with 21 offences, including 14 counts of damaging and destroying property.The hearing today specifically handled whether the accused was granted bail or not, and no plea has been entered yet.'Influenced to commit the offences'On Friday, the NSW Supreme Court heard allegations Mr Farhat had researched the location of a Sydney Jewish hospital before his alleged acts.Prosecutors alleged the accused had spoken to a psychiatrist in remand."He told the psychiatrist that he had been influenced to commit the offences without the detection of his family," the crown prosecutor said while opposing bail.The justice, summarising allegations from police, also said that "he told the psychiatrist that 'people were getting in his head'".Mr Farhat's barrister Rebekah Rodger also told the court her client faced a "risk of radicalisation in custody".Justice Richard Weinstein said there was no real evidence about radicalisation.Mr Farhat has not been charged with a terrorism offence.The crown prosecutor told the court on Friday that Mohommed Farhat had informed a psychiatrist he'd been "influenced to commit the offences". (ABC News: Alison Xiao)"Mr Farhat has an unblemished criminal history … a Hezbollah flag tattoo is as high as it goes," Justice Weinstein said.Justice Weinstein said there were allegations before the court that Mr Farhat had targeted Sydney's Jewish community specifically, and that he had a stance relating to Israel.The court also heard allegations that Mr Farhat had paid $1,000 to his co-accused.Among the documents tendered by Ms Rodger, the court was given a receipt from the airline Jetstar allegedly showing he was going on a holiday to Bali with his girlfriend when he was arrested.Length of remand questioned by judgeThe length of remand, if bail was not granted, was also raised by Justice Weinstein in court.When asked about when a trial would take place, the crown prosecutor replied that it would not be this year, due to delays in court. "Eighteen months delay … that is a long time to wait. I have to assume the presumption of innocence," Justice Weinstein said.Cars vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney Photo shows Cars with graffiti and words sprayed on themNSW Police said the vandals caused $110,000 in damage. In granting bail with a surety of $1 million, Justice Weinstein said Mr Farhat would be under strict home detention with an electronic bracelet and only allowed out accompanied by a parent."He will only be able to reside with his parents in Sydney's south with conditions such as daily police checks at St George Police Command, medical or legal appointments in the company of his parents."Ms Rodger told the court Mr Farhat's parents would supervise him."The family is paying attention now if they weren't before," she said.Posted 7m ago7 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 8:25amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals leader faces Canavan challenge as Taylor confirms he'll contest Liberal leadershipLIVEPhoto shows Matt Canavan, in side profile, grimaces slightly during a press conferenceAustralia's political conclave theatrics feel blokey, but the future is femaleAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Sussan LeyErin Patterson was building Lego hours after serving deadly meal, court hearsTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.‘Like a rock’: Revered Arnhem Land elder dies after alleged attackTopic:Indigenous AustraliansPhoto shows An Aboriginal man wearing a black graphic tee, with gray hair, speaking at a podium in front of a Garma festival banner. 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