Crime family member shot in back: court

Ahmed Hablas's claims that he shot and killed a member of an alleged crime family in
self defence are contradicted by evidence that his victim was shot in the back, a
judge has said.
Hablas, 22, said in a statement he killed Mohammed Haddara in self defence when he
feared for his life after being kidnapped.
Refusing Hablas bail on Friday, Victorian Supreme Court Justice Katharine Williams
said Mr Haddara was found with four bullet holes in his back, including one shot
believed to have been fired when he was lying on the ground.
"I find the evidence about shots in the back somewhat at odds of Mr Hablas fearing
for his life at the time," she said.
Justice Williams noted that after the shooting in Altona North in June 2009, Hablas
fled the scene, disposed of his gun by throwing it over a bridge and destroyed his
clothes.
Hablas' barrister, Jane Dixon, SC, had argued the murder case against her client was
weak and his time in custody onerous because he had little contact with other
prisoners.
Hablas is an associate of the Chaouk family, the rival clan engaged in a violent
feud with the Hadarra family.
While in prison on remand, Hablas, of Altona North, had been put in a cell next to
one holding a member of the Haddara family, she said.
This caused him to become fearful for his safety and he was moved to another prison,
the court heard.
"It is extraordinary that they should be placed right next to each other, but
apparently this is what occurred," Ms Dixon said.
Justice Williams described the placement as "unfortunate".
Ms Dixon said that on the day after the shooting, Hablas went to police and told
them he had shot Mr Haddara in self defence.
But prosecutor Geoffrey Horgan, SC, said the case was not weak because Mr Haddara
had been shot in the back four times.
He added that once Hablas got the gun out of Mr Haddara's hand he could not have
said he feared for his life.
Detective Senior Constable Barry Gray told the court there were fears for Hablas'
safety should he be released from custody.
"I think he is the safest he can be in prison, your honour," he said.
Hablas was remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates
Court on October 11 for a committal mention.