A 21-year-old man from western Sydney, has pleaded guilty to firearm offences after brandishing a replica gun during a violent brawl at the Mt Druitt Westfield food court. The August 7, 2023 incident, involving two groups of school students, was captured on CCTV and witnessed by numerous onlookers, including students. The man was seen pulling a black gel blaster from his bumbag, pointing it at a teenage girl’s head, and issuing a chilling threat to the crowd, saying, “I’ll pull the trigger, I don’t give a f—k.”
The brawl had escalated from an argument between two rival schoolgirls, which turned physical as more teens became involved. The teenage victim, who had tried to intervene in the fight, was threatened by the accused with the fake handgun before he waved it at the surrounding crowd.
The man was arrested shortly after the incident, and police discovered the illegal gel blaster in his possession, along with a small amount of cannabis. Initially charged with eight firearm offences, the accused reached a plea deal with prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty to two charges: possessing an unregistered pistol in a public place and using an offensive weapon with intent to intimidate. Other charges were withdrawn. The offences carry maximum sentences of 14 and 12 years, respectively.
The man’s lawyer, Mohammad Algalele, of Sydney Triumph Lawyers, leaves Penrith Local Court after entering guilty pleas on behalf of his client.
The accused has been in custody for a year awaiting trial. His lawyer, Mohammad Algalele, told the court that his client regretted his actions and was committed to turning his life around. The man will be sentenced later this year in the NSW District Court.
