Osama Abdullahi, 25, has been refused bail by the ACT Magistrates Courts on several charges. Photo: Albert McKnight
In an alleged case of shocking violence, a man is accused of attacking a grocery store worker with a wine bottle, as well as spitting at a customer who tried to intervene during the incident.
The first alleged incident involving Osama Abdullahi took place on 14 June 2025 when he aggressively approached a couple in Civic and punched one of them in the face, leaving the man with a split lip.
Abdullahi appeared intoxicated when he was arrested and allegedly told police he had been using drugs and mistook the man for someone else, the ACT Magistrates Court heard.
He was granted bail, but on 9 October, he is alleged to have gone into the IGA Supermarket at Ngunnawal and taken bottles of alcohol before trying to leave without paying.
He was allegedly stopped by staff and a scuffle broke out, resulting in the alcohol falling to the ground. When customers tried to intervene, he allegedly spat at one of them.
It is alleged Abdullahi returned to the grocery store, took more bottles of alcohol, then hit a staff member in the head with a wine bottle before punching this worker in the face three times.
Abdullahi, 25, was charged with single counts of attempted robbery and attempted minor theft, as well as two counts of assault over all allegations.
He was taken into custody on 11 October before facing the Magistrates Court to apply for bail on Tuesday (11 November).
His lawyer, Sami Chaudhury of Bevan & Co Lawyers, said his client was undergoing counselling and he could assist his mother if he were granted bail as she was experiencing health difficulties.
He also said it was unlikely that his client would be able to face a hearing for his charges until April or May 2026, by which time it would mean he would have remained in custody for six months.
Prosecutor Jack Watson opposed bail, saying the two sets of allegations were very concerning and his office was worried about Abdullahi’s possible substance use.
Magistrate Ian Temby agreed with his submission that there was a clear likelihood of Abdullahi allegedly reoffending or endangering the safety or welfare of the community.
“His compliance with bail conditions generally has been pretty poor,” he also said.
Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to 24 November.
Abdullahi waved at his mother, who was seated in the courtroom’s gallery, before he was led away.
Out at AMC? That's a bit rough View