Three teenagers accused of attempting to kidnap a Melbourne nightclub promoter as part of an alleged dispute within the city’s hospitality scene have been remanded in custody.
The 17-year-olds appeared before the Children’s Court charged over the alleged attempted kidnapping of Albion Hotel promoter Paul Samlidis and an aggravated home invasion involving his father.
Police allege the teenagers targeted figures connected to the “Alumbra Saturdays” events held at the Albion Hotel in South Melbourne, amid an escalation of tensions linked to Melbourne’s nightlife industry.
During Thursday’s hearing, one of the accused declined to apply for bail, while the remaining two adjourned their applications pending further assessments.
The court heard one teenager required ongoing medication and a mental health review while in custody. Another appeared with visible facial injuries, with his lawyer requesting medical assessment by a custody nurse.
The three teenagers face multiple charges linked to six separate incidents allegedly occurring between 9 and 14 April. These include the attempted kidnapping of Samlidis, aggravated home invasions, attempted aggravated carjacking, and a separate alleged kidnapping at a property in Malvern.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg was told investigators are reviewing substantial evidence, including several mobile phones and approximately 800GB of CCTV footage.
Prosecutors have been given until June 11 to provide the defence with a full brief of evidence. The case is expected to return to court for a committal mention in July.
Source: Herald Sun
