Greek Australian Artemios Mintzas, 60, faced court for the first time following a shooting in Croydon Park, Sydney, where he allegedly fired up to 50 bullets at random passersby on Sunday night.
Charged with 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder, Mintzas did not seek bail. A dispute between two lawyers over his representation caused a delay, but he confirmed barrister Dymphna Hawkins as his counsel. He is due back in court in December.
On Sunday night, Croydon Park went into lockdown after reports of an active shooter on Georges River Road. More than a dozen people were injured, including one man shot in the neck who remains in serious condition. After a nearly two-hour standoff, tactical police arrested Mintzas inside his apartment above a business.
Mintzas faces 25 charges, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder. In Burwood Local Court on Tuesday, a tense exchange unfolded as lawyers Diana Sabouni and Dymphna Hawkins both claimed to represent him. The hearing was paused multiple times, with a verbal dispute erupting outside the courtroom. Mintzas, wearing a blue jumper and showing facial scars, clarified his choice of Hawkins as his lawyer and apologized for the confusion.
Outside court, Hawkins stated she needed to review the brief of evidence. Mintzas is scheduled to return to court in December.
(Source: www.abc.net.au)
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