Source : Perth Now news
A backpack and bottle could be key evidence in the trial of a man alleged to have contributed to the infamous “Pam the Bird” graffiti across Melbourne, a court has been told.
Matthew Raoul White appeared in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Thursday wearing a dark blue rainjacket, dark jeans and sneakers.
Mr White is facing 70 offences, including aggravated burglary and criminal damage.
On Thursday, Mr White’s defence team told the court there was an “issue of identification” in relation to several of his charges.
His lawyer said a witness would give evidence in relation to a backpack that was allegedly seen at two graffiti sites.
“I want from the witness concessions that it is not in fact a rare and unique bag,” the lawyer told the court.
Magistrate Donna Bakos said the witness in question had submitted a statement saying “I’m sure that that bag is sold by Kathmandu”; however, she was hesitant to grant the defence permission to cross-examine the witness on the matter.
“You’ve identified it as something that Kathmandu sell,” she said.
However Ms Bakos said there was no way to know when or where it was sold.
Ms Bakos also noted that “the security guard doesn’t make any identification (of the accused)” at the second incident alleged to have happened at a hotel.
Mr White’s lawyer told the court the allegedly identifiable backpack was seen in photographs and by witnesses at two separate incidents – the first being at Flinders Street Station and the second being at a hotel or residential building.
He said a bottle found at the location of the second incident was found to have a fingerprint on it but the backpack appears to be the only linking factor between the incidents.
“It’s the main feature of the whole identification argument,” he said.
However, the prosecution said “there is no evidence” in the witness statement that the backpack seen at both incidents is “unique”.
The court was told Mr White’s co-accused was currently having his matter heard in the County Court.
Mr White has previously been accused of collaborating with Jack Gibson-Burrell, who police alleged was responsible for the renowned Pam the Bird graffiti across Melbourne.
Police alleged Mr White added the SROCK tag to Mr Gibson-Burrell’s graffiti on hard-to-reach landmarks, trains, signs, buildings, and walls.
Mr White’s bail was extended and he will return to court on July 29 for a committal hearing, expected to last half a day.
