Witness interference claims as accused murderer Jim Dastan seeks bail two months out from trial

A former Comanchero bikie accused of shooting a man allegedly told someone “I put four in his torso” soon afterwards.

New allegations about the alleged murder of Craig Anderson were revealed on Wednesday as one of the men charged, Jim Dastan, sought bail in the Supreme Court.

The 29-year-old will be tried alongside three co-accused said to have participated in the May 2019 murder.
Crown prosecutors allege Dastan was the man who shot the four bullets that killed Mr Anderson, and claim he had a motive to do so.

Prosecutors allege Dastan was seeking revenge against Mr Anderson for bashing his brother.

“He goes along in cold blood ... just at the front of the house, shoots the deceased four times — two of those bullets delivered while he was trying to get away,” Crown solicitor Anthony Brookman said.

The prosecution alleges following the shooting, a recorded conversation caught Dastan saying “I put four in his torso”, a statement he firmly denies.

Dastan vigorously shook his head as this was mentioned in court, and at many other points in the proceedings.

The Crown also claimed intercepted phone calls captured Dastan threatening others not to go to the police.

“If he knows what’s good for him, he won’t (go to the police),” Dastan is alleged to have said.

There were also calls and text messages prior to the offence which appear to show planning, the court heard.

Mr Brookman said Dastan is “not just the shooter, he’s the ringleader, and immediately afterwards he’s warning various people to keep their mouths shut”.

The prosecution claimed Dastan posed a “very real danger” when it came to interfering with witnesses, if granted bail, and “the reason the bail application was being brought now is for that purpose (interfering with possible witnesses)”.

“To enable the applicant (Dastan) to bring pressure either directly or indirectly on anyone involved in the matter who may give evidence against the applicant.

“The stakes don’t get any higher,“ Mr Brookman said.

Dastan’s lawyer Mark Klees argued he should be released in order to prepare his court case and that certain health issues made him vulnerable to Covid-19 in custody.

Dastan, also charged with participating in a criminal group, has been on remand since his arrest on May 27, 2019.

If granted bail, he also agreed to wear an ankle monitor and for someone to put up a $5 million surety on his behalf.

Justice Peter Garling refused Dastan bail, saying the Crown case was reasonably strong.

Dastan is no longer associated with the Comanchero bikies, a court previously heard.

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