Police search for accused synagogue arsonist’s motive
An accused synagogue fire bomber has faced court as prosecutors search electronic devices for a motive behind the alleged arson.
The fire-damaged doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Screenshot
Police are searching devices seized from a man accused of setting fire to a synagogue to find his motive for the alleged attack.
Angelo Loras, 34, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being charged over the alleged firebombing at an East Melbourne synagogue.
The NSW man looked down for much of the short hearing, where he appeared via video link from prison, wearing a white T-shirt with a beard and long hair.
Loras has been charged with multiple offences over the fire at East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on July 4, which allegedly forced a group of about 20 people inside the building to flee.
His charges include reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon, police have said.
Loras’ lawyer told the court on Tuesday that there were several issues the defence disputed with the prosecution, as he opposed the release of a summary document.
“There is ongoing investigation of this matter, you’d hope by September that investigation has been complete,” defence lawyer Ben Mcgrath said.
Magistrate Malcolm Thomas asked prosecutors if there was a chance the matter could go to trial before a jury in a higher court.
Police prosecutor Anthony Albore said that it was “certainly a possibility” as he flagged two electronic devices seized by officers that needed to be interrogated.
“Particularly if there is evidence obtained form those devices, that may establish a motive to this particular crime,” he said.
“That may take this matter out of this honourable jurisdiction.”
Loras will next face the court on September 12.
The synagogue fire is one of several recent alleged acts of antisemitism across Melbourne, including a protest incident at Israeli restaurant Miznon on July 5.
In December, fire tore through Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s southeast.
A 20-year-old man was charged with car theft on July 17, which counter-terrorism police alleged was linked to that blaze.
However, no one has been charged with carrying out the Adass firebombing.
By: Emily Woods/AAP
