Two months after a brazen New Year’s Eve group machete attack that left two young men hospitalized with severe injuries on one of Melbourne’s busiest entertainment strips, two of the accused have appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, with one receiving a stern final warning over case delays.
On Tuesday afternoon, 20-year-old Kon Tong Gob made his first court appearance since being charged over the December 31 incident on Lygon Street, Carlton, a popular pedestrian strip lined with restaurants and bars that was packed with revellers ahead of midnight. To avoid press photography, Gob covered his entire head with a jacket as he entered and exited the courtroom, keeping his face hidden from view.
Authorities allege Gob, 21-year-old co-accused Yahye Abas, and a 17-year-old minor carried out the targeted attack outside The Balcony Shisha Bar, which was captured in full by local closed-circuit television. Investigators confirm the two groups involved were already known to one another, and the three offenders fled the scene in motor vehicles after the assault. Two victims, an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old, were rushed to emergency care with serious wounds. All three accused face three identical charges: violent disorder, affray, and intentionally causing serious injury. Two additional men arrested in connection with the case in January – a 19-year-old from Carlton and a 21-year-old from Reservoir – have since been released without any charges being laid.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Alana Reader, Gob’s legal representative, requested an adjournment of the case. Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge granted a one-month delay but issued an unambiguous final warning that no further extensions would be permitted. “It’s not going to be further adjourned after that date,” Lethbridge told the court.
Abas also appeared before the court on the same day, and his case was also adjourned following reports he has made a legal deal offer to prosecuting authorities. The court confirmed prosecutors have asked for a four-week window to review and assess the proposal. Both Gob and Abas are scheduled to return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for their next hearing on May 6.