A teenager accused of being the gunman who triggered a police lockdown in a Western Australian town last month has been denied bail, with a magistrate stating his release would raise "real concerns for the safety of the community". Zachariah Ugle, 18, faced Perth Magistrate Court on Wednesday over allegations related to an incident in Pinjarra, located 21 kilometres south-west of Mandurah, on January 13.
Alleged Incident Sparks Police Response
The court heard that at approximately 7:50 am on January 13, a resident reported seeing Mr Ugle walking along carrying what appeared to be a long-arm firearm. This prompted an immediate police search in the area. Later that morning, at 9:25 am, homeowners on Pollard Street contacted authorities after their security system alerted them to a break-in at their property.
CCTV Footage and Police Actions
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Shuurmans informed the court that CCTV footage provided by the homeowners showed a person, allegedly Mr Ugle, entering the property while carrying an item resembling a firearm. It is claimed he stole several items, including a camera and a can of coke. In response, police issued orders for residents to remain indoors as heavily armed officers conducted a search for the gunman over several hours.
Mr Ugle was eventually located at 4:37 pm on the rooftop of a house in Mandurah without a weapon and was taken into custody. When questioned by police about the firearm, he reportedly stated it was a toy but could not specify its whereabouts. Sergeant Shuurmans noted that the item "has not been collected and therefore it can’t be established what the item is".
Prosecution Opposes Bail Over Serious Allegations
Sergeant Shuurmans opposed bail, describing the allegations as "very serious". She presented stills from the CCTV footage to the court, which police assert show Mr Ugle carrying the gun. "Whether it was a real firearm or not it looks extremely real and the victims would have been in extreme fear that the accused now knows where they reside", she argued.
Defence Requests Bail Based on Exceptional Circumstances
Mr Ugle's lawyer, Emily Harris, requested bail, citing "exceptional" circumstances. She highlighted that Mr Ugle is only 18 years old, has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, and faces potential delays before his case is resolved in court. Ms Harris proposed that he be assessed for home detention bail at his uncle's residence in Pinjarra.
Magistrate's Decision and Reasoning
Magistrate Adam Hills-Wright addressed the evidence, stating that the CCTV stills were "confronting because they showed a firearm. The prosecution can’t establish whether it was real or fake and it has not been found." He further remarked, "It is being held in a way a soldier at war would hold it - that would be quite frightening."
In denying bail, Magistrate Hills-Wright expressed doubts about Mr Ugle's compliance with home detention and its effectiveness in reducing reoffending risks. "I’m not satisfied that you would comply with home detention or whether it would reduce the risk of further offending", he said. Emphasising the gravity of the situation, he concluded, "In my view it raises real concerns for the safety of the community."
The case has been adjourned for four weeks, with Mr Ugle remaining in custody. It was also noted in court that he was on bail for an alleged unlawful assault against his girlfriend at the time of the Pinjarra incident, adding to the prosecution's concerns over public safety.
