Five face court over Sydney shooting

A young driver was too scared to disobey an order to flee after a shooting at a Sydney house party, a court has heard.

Joe Abousleiman, 18, was behind the wheel when he and four other young males allegedly sped off from an address in Arnett Street, Pendle Hill, just after midnight on Sunday.

Tary Joseph Sukkar, 43, was shot in the lower leg with a Colt 45 revolver, court documents allege, in what was believed to have been a gatecrashing incident.

Abousleiman appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Monday alongside Sailosi Osuji, 19, and Octevian Camille, 18, and accused gunman George Heleta, 19.

A fifth male, aged 17, cannot be named for legal reasons.

The car they were travelling in was stopped a short time after the incident, and police say they recovered a firearm from the vehicle.

They have been charged with a range of offences, including recklessly wounding while in company.

Abousleiman’s lawyer Richard Waldersee told the court his client had been invited to the party and left the gathering with Osuji and the 17-year-old, who instructed him to pick up Heleta.

They also met up with his friend Camille before all five returned to the party.

Mr Waldersee said his client remained in the vehicle while up to three of the males went inside, and soon after he heard five gunshots.

Seconds later, the others allegedly entered the car and said, “Drive, just drive”.

Mr Waldersee said Osuji and the youngest co-accused knew his family and he only did as they said to protect his loved ones.

“He effectively was acting under duress,” Mr Waldersee told the court.

Osuji’s counsel said there was no evidence to support the allegations.

Registrar Narelle Tyreman granted Abousleiman, Camille and Osuji strict conditional bail.

Heleta did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.

The four men will appear in the same court on April 18.

The 17-year-old was granted bail in Parramatta Children’s Court.

It’s not yet known when he will next appear in court.

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