A 20-year-old man charged with murder remains in custody as his legal team struggles to secure a suitable location for bail, according to recent developments in the Northern Territory. Justin Bukulatjpi, accused of killing a man and seriously injuring another during a brawl in Milingimbi in April, has been denied bail multiple times despite being granted temporary release in May. The decision was met with strong opposition from Crown prosecutor Deborah Mandie, who argued the prosecution had a “very strong” case against him. She cited over 10 minutes of mobile phone footage showing Bukulatjpi holding a knife above his head before the victim fell to the ground. The initial bail arrangement, allowing Bukulatjpi to stay with family on the Tiwi Islands, was blocked by local concerns. Traditional owners expressed fears that his presence might incite further unrest in the community, leading to riots involving at least 100 residents. The Tiwi Islands’ executive director of township leasing also restricted his access to public spaces, prompting Justice Judith Kelly to describe these actions as “unacceptable.” Despite these challenges, the judge maintained a “high degree of confidence” that Bukulatjpi would comply with bail conditions. Since his first court appearance over two months ago, Bukulatjpi has faced repeated attempts to secure bail, all of which have failed. Each proposed location has been deemed unsuitable, forcing him to remain in custody. On Wednesday, defense barrister Louise Dart suggested Warruwi, a remote Indigenous community on South Goulburn Island, as a potential bail address. However, the proposal was rejected after Crown prosecutor Mandie pointed out that the local police station had been unmanned for five weeks, making electronic monitoring impractical. She argued that Bukulatjpi still posed a flight risk. Dart countered that Bukulatjpi had strong family connections in the community and limited financial resources, reducing the likelihood of him fleeing. She emphasized his limited English proficiency and lack of means, suggesting he had few options for escape. In response, Justice Kelly requested that Dart explore whether any influential figures within the community might agree to provide an undertaking to ensure Bukulatjpi stays at his bail address. Such an undertaking, she warned, could be considered a breach of court orders and potentially lead to charges of contempt. The judge noted that if a respected male figure or elder from the community agreed to take responsibility for Bukulatjpi, it might alleviate concerns raised by the prosecution. The case has been postponed until September, with Bukulatjpi remaining in custody pending further hearings. Meanwhile, in New South Wales, a separate murder investigation has led to a 15-year-old boy being charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 22-year-old man in Gosford. Emergency services were called to the scene around 7:30 pm on July 28, where the victim was found with multiple stab wounds. Paramedics treated him at the scene, but he later died at Gosford Hospital. Police later raided a residence in Lake Haven and arrested the teenager and a 45-year-old woman, who was charged with hindering the arrest of the suspect. The woman, who has been granted bail, faces court again on August 11. Her lawyer, Javid Faiz, presented her as a mother of two, caring for a child with special needs, and emphasized that the incident was not gang-related but rather a dispute over a hat. While the prosecution argued that the woman obstructed police efforts, the judge acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding her knowledge of the boy’s involvement in the crime. She must report to police weekly, and the case will resume in court on August 11.
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