Police investigate taxi cab abduction attempt on Melbourne woman
From: AAP
August 19, 2010 10:22AM
POLICE are investigating the attempted abduction of a 28-year-old woman who was forced to jump from a moving taxi in central Melbourne.
The Mooroolbark woman hailed a taxi near the intersection of Swanston and Latrobe streets about 1am (AEST) on August 1.Police said the taxi driver threatened to harm the woman and ignored several requests to pick up her friends from a city intersection.As the driver continued east along Latrobe St between Swanston and Russell sts, the woman opened the right passenger door and jumped from the moving taxi.The woman landed on the road and was assisted by witnesses from a car travelling behind the taxi.She suffered serious head injuries and was taken to St Vincents Hospital where she remained for 10 days.The taxi driver is described as either of Middle Eastern or Indian appearance and has not yet been identified.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Police investigate Kurdish Community
From the HeraldSun on 19/8/10 by Wayne Flower and Amelia Harris titled "Police raid Kurdish asssociation HQ in anti-terrorism funding blitz.
A COMMUNITY lawyer has condemned the timing of a police raid on the Kurdish Association of Victoria's hall as a political stunt.
Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police officers conducted the raids at Glenroy, Coolaroo, Pascoe Vale and Dandenong as part of a joint operation which an AFP spokeswoman relates to the financing of a terrorist organisation.
The headquarters of the Kurdish Association of Victoria in Pascoe Vale was one of the buildings raided.
Moreland Community Legal Centre principal lawyer Chris Ryan - who works closely with the group - suggested the raid was a political stunt.
"We believe that this is more than a coincidence that this has happened now,'' he told reporters.
''I mean, the warrants were issued the other day. It didn't have to happen now, it could have happened after the election but is hasn't happened after the election has it?''
Police loaded boxloads of evidence into a car before allowing members back into the building.
A spokesperson said the organisation would not be making a comment on the matter today.
Worried members of the association have gathered outside the building, where police continue to interview the association's president.
Member Gulay Baykal protested the organisation's innocence.
"We were not expecting this. I never thought it could happen,'' she said.
''This is a community based organisation. We are trying to respond to social and cultural needs of the Kurdish community. We don't know what's going on. We are just concerned.
"We are innocent. We haven't done anything wrong here.
"We've been here since 1984 so this is the main organisation of Kurdish people who live in Victoria.''
Ms Baykal acknowledged the struggle of the Kurdish people in Turkey, but denied the group was helping to fund terror attacks.
"Many people have been imprisoned and many people have been killed so of course there is a struggle there for cultural and identity rights and here we are doing the same thing.''
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been listed by the Australian Government as a terrorist organisation since 2005, has killed at least 40 Turkish civilians in suicide attacks since 2008.
There has been as yet no suggestion by investigators that the raids are connected to the PKK.
The Kurdish people are nationless and are one of the largest minority ethnic groups in the world.
Approximately 15 to 20 million Kurds live in the unofficial “Kurdistan” region between Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Turkey. At least eight million Kurds live in southeast Turkey.
Other members of the Victorian Kurdish Association said today they were baffled about why the hall was raided.
''It's shocking,'' a woman said. ''We don't know what is going on.
''This is a friendly place,'' another man said. ''They help a lot of people.''
The AFP rang members of the association at 6am this morning saying they had search warrants for the hall and wanted to know who had the keys.
"The association has been running for 25 years in Australia and this is the first time anything like this has ever been happening," one member said.
"All our finances are accountable.
"We’ve never had any issues with any government bodies before. I can only assume that someone’s made a dobbing and the police have just come."
One member told the Herald Sun the association had "always had a good relationship’’ with Australian police.
An AFP spokeswoman said the operation did not relate to a terror-related threat or incident.
The spokeswoman would not say what was seized and what arrests, if any, had been made.
The AFP later issued a brief statement on the raids.
"The Joint Counter Terrorism Team located in Melbourne has this morning executed a number of search warrants as part of a joint counter terrorism investigation into allegations of financing of a terrorist organisation,'' the federal police said.
"The community can be assured that this investigation is not related to any terrorist related threat or incident.
"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as it is an ongoing operational matter.''
- with Mark Buttler and AAP
A COMMUNITY lawyer has condemned the timing of a police raid on the Kurdish Association of Victoria's hall as a political stunt.
Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police officers conducted the raids at Glenroy, Coolaroo, Pascoe Vale and Dandenong as part of a joint operation which an AFP spokeswoman relates to the financing of a terrorist organisation.
The headquarters of the Kurdish Association of Victoria in Pascoe Vale was one of the buildings raided.
Moreland Community Legal Centre principal lawyer Chris Ryan - who works closely with the group - suggested the raid was a political stunt.
"We believe that this is more than a coincidence that this has happened now,'' he told reporters.
''I mean, the warrants were issued the other day. It didn't have to happen now, it could have happened after the election but is hasn't happened after the election has it?''
Police loaded boxloads of evidence into a car before allowing members back into the building.
A spokesperson said the organisation would not be making a comment on the matter today.
Worried members of the association have gathered outside the building, where police continue to interview the association's president.
Member Gulay Baykal protested the organisation's innocence.
"We were not expecting this. I never thought it could happen,'' she said.
''This is a community based organisation. We are trying to respond to social and cultural needs of the Kurdish community. We don't know what's going on. We are just concerned.
"We are innocent. We haven't done anything wrong here.
"We've been here since 1984 so this is the main organisation of Kurdish people who live in Victoria.''
Ms Baykal acknowledged the struggle of the Kurdish people in Turkey, but denied the group was helping to fund terror attacks.
"Many people have been imprisoned and many people have been killed so of course there is a struggle there for cultural and identity rights and here we are doing the same thing.''
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been listed by the Australian Government as a terrorist organisation since 2005, has killed at least 40 Turkish civilians in suicide attacks since 2008.
There has been as yet no suggestion by investigators that the raids are connected to the PKK.
The Kurdish people are nationless and are one of the largest minority ethnic groups in the world.
Approximately 15 to 20 million Kurds live in the unofficial “Kurdistan” region between Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Turkey. At least eight million Kurds live in southeast Turkey.
Other members of the Victorian Kurdish Association said today they were baffled about why the hall was raided.
''It's shocking,'' a woman said. ''We don't know what is going on.
''This is a friendly place,'' another man said. ''They help a lot of people.''
The AFP rang members of the association at 6am this morning saying they had search warrants for the hall and wanted to know who had the keys.
"The association has been running for 25 years in Australia and this is the first time anything like this has ever been happening," one member said.
"All our finances are accountable.
"We’ve never had any issues with any government bodies before. I can only assume that someone’s made a dobbing and the police have just come."
One member told the Herald Sun the association had "always had a good relationship’’ with Australian police.
An AFP spokeswoman said the operation did not relate to a terror-related threat or incident.
The spokeswoman would not say what was seized and what arrests, if any, had been made.
The AFP later issued a brief statement on the raids.
"The Joint Counter Terrorism Team located in Melbourne has this morning executed a number of search warrants as part of a joint counter terrorism investigation into allegations of financing of a terrorist organisation,'' the federal police said.
"The community can be assured that this investigation is not related to any terrorist related threat or incident.
"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as it is an ongoing operational matter.''
- with Mark Buttler and AAP
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Two thugs bash a man
fron the Sunherald 18/8/10 titled "Savage thugs remain at large after assault in Hoppers Crossing"written by Wayne Flower.
A SAVAGE pair of thugs who bashed and robbed a man in Melbourne's west remains at large.
Police have released a computer image of one of the thugs in the hope someone might recognise him.
The attack happened about 9pm on Friday, July 30 as the victim walked along a walkway in Lena Crt, Hoppers Crossing.
The men punched the 19-year old causing him to fall to the ground where they continued to punch and kick him before stealing his back pack.
The Hoppers Crossing man sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions to his head and body.
The men are described as Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, 16-20 years and wearing dark clothing.
One of the men wore a baseball cap and was solid in build.
A SAVAGE pair of thugs who bashed and robbed a man in Melbourne's west remains at large.
Police have released a computer image of one of the thugs in the hope someone might recognise him.
The attack happened about 9pm on Friday, July 30 as the victim walked along a walkway in Lena Crt, Hoppers Crossing.
The men punched the 19-year old causing him to fall to the ground where they continued to punch and kick him before stealing his back pack.
The Hoppers Crossing man sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions to his head and body.
The men are described as Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, 16-20 years and wearing dark clothing.
One of the men wore a baseball cap and was solid in build.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Indian taxi driver bashes 81 yr lady
Woman, 81, bashed by taxi driver
August 15, 2010
from the Sydney Morning Herald
A taxi driver bashed and robbed an 81-year-old woman who earlier requested to be driven to a Melbourne medical centre, police say.
Police investigators have been told the victim caught a taxi from a bus stop at the corner of Frank and Douglas streets, outside Coles in Noble Park between 11am and midday (AEST) on Saturday.
They believe the woman asked to be taken to a medical centre and gave the taxi driver the approximate fare up front.
The driver began to drive in the opposite direction and when the victim requested he turn around, he drove to Taranto Drive and held down her seat belt so she could not move.
He then allegedly punched her in the face a number of times and removed cash from her purse, police say.
"The driver threw the purse back at her, pushed her out of the taxi and drove away," police said in a statement.
"The victim managed to seek assistance from a nearby resident in Taranto Drive where an ambulance was called."
The Noble Park woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital where she was treated for swollen, black eyes and bruising to her shoulder and hand.
Police say her attacker is of Indian sub-continental appearance, with short hair, solid build and wearing glasses with red arms.
August 15, 2010
from the Sydney Morning Herald
A taxi driver bashed and robbed an 81-year-old woman who earlier requested to be driven to a Melbourne medical centre, police say.
Police investigators have been told the victim caught a taxi from a bus stop at the corner of Frank and Douglas streets, outside Coles in Noble Park between 11am and midday (AEST) on Saturday.
They believe the woman asked to be taken to a medical centre and gave the taxi driver the approximate fare up front.
The driver began to drive in the opposite direction and when the victim requested he turn around, he drove to Taranto Drive and held down her seat belt so she could not move.
He then allegedly punched her in the face a number of times and removed cash from her purse, police say.
"The driver threw the purse back at her, pushed her out of the taxi and drove away," police said in a statement.
"The victim managed to seek assistance from a nearby resident in Taranto Drive where an ambulance was called."
The Noble Park woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital where she was treated for swollen, black eyes and bruising to her shoulder and hand.
Police say her attacker is of Indian sub-continental appearance, with short hair, solid build and wearing glasses with red arms.
Stabbing in Adelaide
From Adelaidenow on 17/8/2010 titled Hindley St stabbing caught on film.
A NEW Boys gang member stabbed in Hindley St is refusing to tell police the identity of his attacker, prompting them to release security images of the attack.
Police have revealed his attacker was wearing a "Notorious" top in the Hindley St stabbing on May 22 this year.
Gino Foccarelli, 21, was stabbed twice in the stomach within 10m of police standing outside his father's Ink Central tattoo parlour.
His father, Vince Foccarelli, is suspected of being the leader of a street gang known as the New Boys.
He was the target of a bungled bombing ordered by the Hells Angels at Enfield.
The bombing has been followed by a series of drive-by shootings targeting properties linked to Hells Angels.
Hells Angels and New Boys members brawled wildly in Hindley St following the funeral of a Hells Angel killed in the Enfield bomb blast.
Crime Gangs Taskforce head Detective Superintendent Des Bray said a black 1990 Nissan Skyline double-parked out the front of the tattoo parlour at 4.13am.
Someone inside the Nissan gestured to Gino Focarelli to approach the car, which he did, .
"He apparently knew the offenders because, as the victim stood alongside the car, the passenger lunged at the victim and stabbed him twice in the stomach while still seated in the car.
"The victim staggered back inside the tattoo parlour, but what is of particular concern is the stabbing occurred within about 6m of a uniformed police officer standing nearby.
"It may well be that these people were his enemies, but had not disclosed that to him at this stage and lulled him into a false sense of security before stabbing him."
Det-Supt Bray said there were a number of people in the area who were not aware of the stabbing at the time.
"Because there was no noise associated with the stabbing, no argument, no screech of tyres.
"We are encouraging those witnesses to come forward and anybody who witnessed or has knowledge of the event to come forward."
Gino Foccarelli was taken to hospital in an extremely serious condition but has since been released.
A witness to the stabbing said one of the offenders was wearing a top with the word "Notorious" emblazoned across the chest.
Det-Supt Bray said that did not suggest the offenders were part of the Sydney-based Notorious street gang because that type of clothing can be purchased. with that motif on it.
The Notorious street gang consists mainly of Middle Eastern-background youths and is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, violent street crime and armed robberies.
They have an offshoot gang called the Muslim Brotherhood Movement.
Both groups feed members into the Comanchero bikie gang.
"It is clear this was a premeditated attack designed to kill the victim," said Det Supt Bray.
"We believe there were several males and at least one female involved in planning or carrying out the attack or assisting the offenders subsequent to the attack. We know the identity of some of those involved."
"Violence of this sort in the community is totally unacceptable and is a concern of everybody.... do not let these offenders get away with it."
Gino Foccarelli has refused to cooperate with police, even though he knows the identity of his attacker.
The New Boys and the Hells Angels are locked in a gang war but Det-Supt Bray said the the people in the car were not Hells Angels.
"We are uncertain of a motive for the stabbing at this stage," he said.
"Unfortunately gangs get involved in conflicts with lots of other people who are involved in violence and drug trafficking, there is lots of inter-gang rivalry."
Police wanted to ensure those involved in the incident that they knew some of their identities and it was likely there would be arrests in the near future.
A NEW Boys gang member stabbed in Hindley St is refusing to tell police the identity of his attacker, prompting them to release security images of the attack.
Police have revealed his attacker was wearing a "Notorious" top in the Hindley St stabbing on May 22 this year.
Gino Foccarelli, 21, was stabbed twice in the stomach within 10m of police standing outside his father's Ink Central tattoo parlour.
His father, Vince Foccarelli, is suspected of being the leader of a street gang known as the New Boys.
He was the target of a bungled bombing ordered by the Hells Angels at Enfield.
The bombing has been followed by a series of drive-by shootings targeting properties linked to Hells Angels.
Hells Angels and New Boys members brawled wildly in Hindley St following the funeral of a Hells Angel killed in the Enfield bomb blast.
Crime Gangs Taskforce head Detective Superintendent Des Bray said a black 1990 Nissan Skyline double-parked out the front of the tattoo parlour at 4.13am.
Someone inside the Nissan gestured to Gino Focarelli to approach the car, which he did, .
"He apparently knew the offenders because, as the victim stood alongside the car, the passenger lunged at the victim and stabbed him twice in the stomach while still seated in the car.
"The victim staggered back inside the tattoo parlour, but what is of particular concern is the stabbing occurred within about 6m of a uniformed police officer standing nearby.
"It may well be that these people were his enemies, but had not disclosed that to him at this stage and lulled him into a false sense of security before stabbing him."
Det-Supt Bray said there were a number of people in the area who were not aware of the stabbing at the time.
"Because there was no noise associated with the stabbing, no argument, no screech of tyres.
"We are encouraging those witnesses to come forward and anybody who witnessed or has knowledge of the event to come forward."
Gino Foccarelli was taken to hospital in an extremely serious condition but has since been released.
A witness to the stabbing said one of the offenders was wearing a top with the word "Notorious" emblazoned across the chest.
Det-Supt Bray said that did not suggest the offenders were part of the Sydney-based Notorious street gang because that type of clothing can be purchased. with that motif on it.
The Notorious street gang consists mainly of Middle Eastern-background youths and is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, violent street crime and armed robberies.
They have an offshoot gang called the Muslim Brotherhood Movement.
Both groups feed members into the Comanchero bikie gang.
"It is clear this was a premeditated attack designed to kill the victim," said Det Supt Bray.
"We believe there were several males and at least one female involved in planning or carrying out the attack or assisting the offenders subsequent to the attack. We know the identity of some of those involved."
"Violence of this sort in the community is totally unacceptable and is a concern of everybody.... do not let these offenders get away with it."
Gino Foccarelli has refused to cooperate with police, even though he knows the identity of his attacker.
The New Boys and the Hells Angels are locked in a gang war but Det-Supt Bray said the the people in the car were not Hells Angels.
"We are uncertain of a motive for the stabbing at this stage," he said.
"Unfortunately gangs get involved in conflicts with lots of other people who are involved in violence and drug trafficking, there is lots of inter-gang rivalry."
Police wanted to ensure those involved in the incident that they knew some of their identities and it was likely there would be arrests in the near future.
Gunmen kills two.
From The Age on 15/8/10 written by Mark Russell and Peter Munro titled Accused gunman violent and caring say aquaintances.
ADAM Kosian, the man accused of murdering two men in Lygon Street on Friday, initially appeared calm and composed at an out-of-sessions court hearing at the St Kilda Road police complex yesterday evening.
Flanked by two detectives and dressed in a dark grey suit and blue shirt with black dress shoes, Kosian, 52, was not handcuffed as he took his seat about 4.35pm.
''Good evening,'' Kosian said to the bail justice, who would formally read out the two murder charges he was facing.
Kosian gave his address - a flat in Arnold Street, Brunswick East - and date of birth - October 24, 1957 - before telling the bail justice that he was ''two times in Queensland in a medical hospital and one time here''.
He said his first question was why the newspapers were saying his alleged victims, Boris Kostov, 60, of Werribee, and Goran Vasic, 44, of Footscray, were in their 70s.
Kosian, in a thick eastern European accent that was at times difficult to understand during the 10-minute hearing, mentioned ''sleeping tablets'' and ''motherf---ers'' and ''rape'' and ''all pinch my money, everything'' before police were asked to outline their case.
As Detective Senior Constable Jason Poulton read out the allegations, Kosian's right leg started to shake violently.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was armed with a .32 calibre handgun when he approached Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic on the footpath outside the Players pokies venue and shot Mr Kostov about 4.50pm. Mr Kostov staggered inside the venue as Kosian turned to Mr Vasic and shot him once, killing him instantly. Kosian then allegedly followed Mr Kostov inside Players and shot him dead.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was arrested at the scene and made full admissions to both murders. Kosian had prior convictions in Queensland, which police were still trying to check.
The bail justice told Kosian he would not be released on bail because of the seriousness of the charges and asked if he required medical treatment and prescription medication. Kosian said he did, before bursting into tears. He slumped on to the desk in front of him and said he was tired. ''I want to sleep. I don't sleep 24 hours. I am not sorry for these people I kill. I do good thing. F---ing idiots. I kill animals because they put sleeping pills in …''
Kosian was remanded in custody to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Boris Kostov's wife said she had not slept since her husband's murder.
Mrs Kostov, who is 65, said she suffers from cancer and multiple sclerosis. ''I'm destroyed. I don't know what I live for. I know he will not come home. No one will bring my husband back.''
Mrs Kostov, who asked that her first name not be published, had been married to Mr Kostov for 36 years and had moved to Australia with him from Bulgaria in 1976.
She said her husband had gone to have a coffee with a friend in Lygon Street on Friday.
Club patron Mary Softik, of Carlton, had earlier told The Sunday Age that Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic had been good friends. They had a regular table overlooking Lygon Street, where they sat most afternoons. ''They were just plain people. They liked a punt and they used to come to the pokies,'' she said. ''Boris was just an everyday person. Goran was just a top bloke. He was a down-to-earth guy, very, very gentle, very kind to people around him. They've never had big money to play big. They weren't driving fancy cars … they were just mates and I was mates with them.''
She had known both men for about 20 years, she said. Both were unemployed and Mr Kostov had a history of drug addiction. He and his wife had an eight-year-old daughter, while Mr Vasic, who was of Serbian background, was engaged.
Ms Softik described Kosian as a violent man who sparked confrontations with several patrons, including her husband. Kosian was temporarily barred from the club after damaging a poker machine, she said. ''He has a very short fuse. [He would] abuse patrons, swear and carry on.''
However, a neighbour of Kosian's said he was a caring man and she was surprised when she heard he had been charged.
Beverley Serschen, 78, said he was a gentleman who regularly offered to bring her things from the shop. She said she was stunned when she saw him on television. ''I sat here and was just literally in shock. I can't imagine Adam doing something like that.''
Mrs Serschen said Kosian lived alone with a chihuahua named Chiquita.
Club patron Tom, who declined to give his surname, said Kosian was unable to control himself. ''Adam is that kind of person. When he lose the money he broke the machines, smashed the machines,'' he said.
Aboriginal activist and historian Gary Foley said he and other patrons at Players had jumped out a window to escape Mr Kosian. Mr Foley, 60, said he was trying to help Mr Kostov after he had been shot the first time, when the gunman returned.
ADAM Kosian, the man accused of murdering two men in Lygon Street on Friday, initially appeared calm and composed at an out-of-sessions court hearing at the St Kilda Road police complex yesterday evening.
Flanked by two detectives and dressed in a dark grey suit and blue shirt with black dress shoes, Kosian, 52, was not handcuffed as he took his seat about 4.35pm.
''Good evening,'' Kosian said to the bail justice, who would formally read out the two murder charges he was facing.
Kosian gave his address - a flat in Arnold Street, Brunswick East - and date of birth - October 24, 1957 - before telling the bail justice that he was ''two times in Queensland in a medical hospital and one time here''.
He said his first question was why the newspapers were saying his alleged victims, Boris Kostov, 60, of Werribee, and Goran Vasic, 44, of Footscray, were in their 70s.
Kosian, in a thick eastern European accent that was at times difficult to understand during the 10-minute hearing, mentioned ''sleeping tablets'' and ''motherf---ers'' and ''rape'' and ''all pinch my money, everything'' before police were asked to outline their case.
As Detective Senior Constable Jason Poulton read out the allegations, Kosian's right leg started to shake violently.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was armed with a .32 calibre handgun when he approached Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic on the footpath outside the Players pokies venue and shot Mr Kostov about 4.50pm. Mr Kostov staggered inside the venue as Kosian turned to Mr Vasic and shot him once, killing him instantly. Kosian then allegedly followed Mr Kostov inside Players and shot him dead.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was arrested at the scene and made full admissions to both murders. Kosian had prior convictions in Queensland, which police were still trying to check.
The bail justice told Kosian he would not be released on bail because of the seriousness of the charges and asked if he required medical treatment and prescription medication. Kosian said he did, before bursting into tears. He slumped on to the desk in front of him and said he was tired. ''I want to sleep. I don't sleep 24 hours. I am not sorry for these people I kill. I do good thing. F---ing idiots. I kill animals because they put sleeping pills in …''
Kosian was remanded in custody to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Boris Kostov's wife said she had not slept since her husband's murder.
Mrs Kostov, who is 65, said she suffers from cancer and multiple sclerosis. ''I'm destroyed. I don't know what I live for. I know he will not come home. No one will bring my husband back.''
Mrs Kostov, who asked that her first name not be published, had been married to Mr Kostov for 36 years and had moved to Australia with him from Bulgaria in 1976.
She said her husband had gone to have a coffee with a friend in Lygon Street on Friday.
Club patron Mary Softik, of Carlton, had earlier told The Sunday Age that Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic had been good friends. They had a regular table overlooking Lygon Street, where they sat most afternoons. ''They were just plain people. They liked a punt and they used to come to the pokies,'' she said. ''Boris was just an everyday person. Goran was just a top bloke. He was a down-to-earth guy, very, very gentle, very kind to people around him. They've never had big money to play big. They weren't driving fancy cars … they were just mates and I was mates with them.''
She had known both men for about 20 years, she said. Both were unemployed and Mr Kostov had a history of drug addiction. He and his wife had an eight-year-old daughter, while Mr Vasic, who was of Serbian background, was engaged.
Ms Softik described Kosian as a violent man who sparked confrontations with several patrons, including her husband. Kosian was temporarily barred from the club after damaging a poker machine, she said. ''He has a very short fuse. [He would] abuse patrons, swear and carry on.''
However, a neighbour of Kosian's said he was a caring man and she was surprised when she heard he had been charged.
Beverley Serschen, 78, said he was a gentleman who regularly offered to bring her things from the shop. She said she was stunned when she saw him on television. ''I sat here and was just literally in shock. I can't imagine Adam doing something like that.''
Mrs Serschen said Kosian lived alone with a chihuahua named Chiquita.
Club patron Tom, who declined to give his surname, said Kosian was unable to control himself. ''Adam is that kind of person. When he lose the money he broke the machines, smashed the machines,'' he said.
Aboriginal activist and historian Gary Foley said he and other patrons at Players had jumped out a window to escape Mr Kosian. Mr Foley, 60, said he was trying to help Mr Kostov after he had been shot the first time, when the gunman returned.
Canadian bashed
From the Heraldsun 17/8/10 by Mark Dunn and titled Dreams die in Gutter.
BY the age of 25 Cain Aguiar had achieved more than most; he had obtained a commercial pilot's licence, a business degree and had recently earned his accreditation as a financial adviser.
The young Canadian was in Melbourne looking to start a new career and build his life in Australia, where he had also been granted citizenship.
But his dreams ended in the gutter outside Yarraville's Blarney Stone pub.
The Supreme Court heard on Monday that shortly after he was brutally bashed and kicked to death in July 2009, his mother found a simple entry on his Blackberry phone: "There is no greater cause than peace," he had written.
But there could be no greater difference between that simple philosophy and the aggression inflicted upon Mr Aguiar, his head stomped in as he lay unconscious and one of his attackers sneering "welcome to Australia".
"Cain is neither a statistic nor just another victim of random violence but a beloved son and brother," his distraught mother Issy Aguiar told the court.
"As for me, his mother, I feel like a giant hand has reached into my body and pulled a piece of my heart out."
Mrs Aguiar said she and husband Tony had endured a year filled with fear, rage and sadness. "For the first time in 30 years we did not put up a Christmas tree, exchange gifts or be with friends, as we could not bear the thought that Cain was not there," she said.
Unemployed man Fostar Akoteu, 23, born in Australia to Tongan parents, pleaded guilty to Mr Aguiar's manslaughter - a premeditated, unprovoked attack sparked by Akoteu's jealousy that the victim was talking to a female friend of his at the bar.
Sioeli Seau, 20, a New Zealand-born labourer, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Aguiar before the victim was "king-hit" by another man and was then kicked and stomped on by Akoteu.
Justice Simon Whelan hopes to sentence Akoteu and Seau on Friday
BY the age of 25 Cain Aguiar had achieved more than most; he had obtained a commercial pilot's licence, a business degree and had recently earned his accreditation as a financial adviser.
The young Canadian was in Melbourne looking to start a new career and build his life in Australia, where he had also been granted citizenship.
But his dreams ended in the gutter outside Yarraville's Blarney Stone pub.
The Supreme Court heard on Monday that shortly after he was brutally bashed and kicked to death in July 2009, his mother found a simple entry on his Blackberry phone: "There is no greater cause than peace," he had written.
But there could be no greater difference between that simple philosophy and the aggression inflicted upon Mr Aguiar, his head stomped in as he lay unconscious and one of his attackers sneering "welcome to Australia".
"Cain is neither a statistic nor just another victim of random violence but a beloved son and brother," his distraught mother Issy Aguiar told the court.
"As for me, his mother, I feel like a giant hand has reached into my body and pulled a piece of my heart out."
Mrs Aguiar said she and husband Tony had endured a year filled with fear, rage and sadness. "For the first time in 30 years we did not put up a Christmas tree, exchange gifts or be with friends, as we could not bear the thought that Cain was not there," she said.
Unemployed man Fostar Akoteu, 23, born in Australia to Tongan parents, pleaded guilty to Mr Aguiar's manslaughter - a premeditated, unprovoked attack sparked by Akoteu's jealousy that the victim was talking to a female friend of his at the bar.
Sioeli Seau, 20, a New Zealand-born labourer, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Aguiar before the victim was "king-hit" by another man and was then kicked and stomped on by Akoteu.
Justice Simon Whelan hopes to sentence Akoteu and Seau on Friday
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