Wollongong Courts Host a Week of Dramatic Legal Proceedings
The Illawarra region's legal system has been the stage for a series of compelling cases this week, with Wollongong courts hearing matters ranging from bizarre theft attempts to serious criminal allegations. From a would-be thief who turned to dance after a failed robbery to an ex-bikie boss preparing to fight kidnapping charges, the docket has been filled with stories that highlight the diverse nature of local crime and justice.
Wannabe Thief Attempts Robbery, Then Breaks Into Dance
In a peculiar incident, a 37-year-old Wollongong man, Adam Godfrey, appeared before Wollongong Local Court via audio-visual link on February 3. Godfrey, who described himself in police documents as studying to be the "Wolf of Wall Street", pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful entry, damaging property, and larceny. The court heard that he attempted to pry open a till at Mr Crown bar using a pair of scissors. When this effort proved unsuccessful, he reportedly resorted to dancing, adding an unusual twist to the criminal episode. His sentencing marks a curious blend of ambition and folly in local petty crime.
Ex-Bikie Boss Denies Gunpoint Kidnapping Allegations
Troy Albert Fornaciari, 42, a former president of the Finks South Coast bikie gang, is set to face a one-week trial starting Monday after being accused of kidnapping two women at gunpoint. Absent from Wollongong District Court on February 3, his defence barrister, Ben Hart, indicated that Fornaciari will rely on a total denial of the events. Judge William Fitzsimmons pressed the defence on disputed facts, to which Hart responded, "There will certainly be an issue that any of this occurred." Fornaciari faces charges of kidnapping, taking a person with intent to commit a serious crime, possessing a pistol, and two counts of using a weapon to commit an indictable offence.
Meat Tenderiser Attack Case Adjourned Due to Evidence Volume
The case against Zane Woodward, 35, accused of chaining a woman and assaulting her with a meat tenderiser, has been adjourned until April. Defence lawyer Cameron Meaney mentioned the matter before Wollongong Local Court on February 4, with Woodward not appearing via audio-visual link from prison. The Crown prosecution requested the adjournment "given the size of the brief" of evidence, a move not opposed by the defence. Magistrate David Williams granted the adjournment. Woodward was initially charged with kidnapping, stalking, and detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage, highlighting the severity of the allegations.
Teacher Seeks to Split Charges in Historical Abuse Case
Phil Saunders, a 51-year-old teacher from Mount Pleasant, is seeking to have the charges against him split so that allegations involving each complainant are dealt with in separate trials. Absent from Wollongong District Court on February 3, his defence counsel raised the desire to sever the indictments. Saunders has pleaded not guilty to charges including carnal knowledge of a 16-year-old female student, aggravated indecent assault of a victim under authority, and grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity. The case, which dates back 20 years, underscores the complexities of historical abuse prosecutions in the education sector.
These cases collectively illustrate the varied legal challenges facing the Illawarra region, from opportunistic crimes to organised criminal activities and serious historical allegations. The Wollongong courts continue to play a crucial role in administering justice, with each proceeding shedding light on the broader social and legal issues at play in the community.
