Tony Mokbel's accused prison attackers face court in Geelong
Two 21-year-old men accused of a jailhouse hit on drug baron Tony Mokbel have fronted court with lawyers raising serious concerns over Corrections Victoria's ability to keep the duo safe in custody.
The publicly funded legal team representing Teira Bennett fought for his name to be suppressed and all identifying features be removed from online publications, but magistrate Peter Mellas denied their request.
In the Geelong Magistrates Court on Friday the magistrate told the court “the genie is already out of the bottle” with the young man’s name widely distributed since he was charged.
Mr Bennett and co-accused Eldea Teuira appeared via video link on Friday and sat appearing to be relaxed in handcuffs during their brief appearances.
The two men are charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury and causing serious injury intentionally in circumstances of gross violence.
Mr Bennett’s lawyer Stephanie Joosten told the court that tensions were currently high within the prison system and it couldn’t be confirmed where her client would be held.
“It’s evident there is high tension in the prison system, particularly in Barwon Prison,” she said.
Mr Teuira’s lawyer Stephanie Stafford also raised similar concerns.
“Due to the high profile nature of the case [I ask] that Corrections take steps to ensure Mr Teuira’s safety,” Ms Stafford said.
The two men are accused of ambushing Mr Mokbel as he walked back to his cell about 3.45pm Monday.
He sustained critical injuries and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
The case will return to court on May 10.
Meanwhile, police have revealed that the man who rushed to Mokbel's aid and saved him from being stabbed to death at Barwon earlier this week was a friend of the drug baron.
Steven Logan, 31, had pleaded guilty to trafficking ice in the Warrnambool County Court last November after being caught with 702 grams of ice valued at about $350,000.
Police sources have confirmed Logan became friends with Mokbel while they were both incarcerated at Barwon Prison.
- with Andrew Thomson, The Standard