Giovanni Laulu, aged 21, viewed the proceedings remotely from Barwon Prison as Magistrate Leon Fluxman delivered his verdict in Melbourne on Friday afternoon.

Authorities accuse Laulu, along with two accomplices, of igniting the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s southeastern area using 100 liters of fuel at approximately 4:15 a.m. on December 6, 2024.

The group reportedly arrived at the Ripponlea location in a stolen Volkswagen. They allegedly broke in using an axe before setting the religious building ablaze.

The fire resulted in damages exceeding $20 million and is currently being scrutinized as a potential terrorist act, as noted in the courtroom.

Prosecutor Diana Karamicov contended that bail should be denied to Laulu, citing him as a significant threat to public safety and a risk for further criminal activity.

She pointed to his previous failures to comply with bail and court orders, and noted his “terrible” criminal history which included violent assaults, affrays and armed robberies.

Karamicov argued the Crown’s case against Laulu was strong and if convicted of the arson charge, he was facing up to 15 years behind bars.

Laulu’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, argued the strength of the case was not relevant as Laulu did not need to prove exceptional or compelling reasons to be released.

Dann told the court Laulu had repeatedly denied the offending and, given his age, the presumption of innocence and his isolation in custody, he should be released.

The barrister argued strict bail conditions including a curfew and location exclusion zones could alleviate any of the court’s concerns.

Laulu’s mother was also putting forward a $20,000 surety for her son and was willing to have him back home with her if he was released, Dann noted.

In handing down his decision, Fluxman accepted Laulu was a risk to the community but found strict bail conditions could reduce that risk to an acceptable level.

Fluxman accepted his decision was “line-ball” and would receive consternation from the Jewish congregation, who were still traumatised from the fire.

But he noted Laulu was a young man who was presumed to be innocent and it was important to promote his rehabilitation while also curtailing his liberty.

The magistrate also emphasised Laulu had not been charged with terror offences, and there was no evidence he was an anti-Semite or had affiliations with terrorist groups.

Laulu will be subjected to 22 bail conditions, including a 9pm to 6am curfew and a ban on entering Ripponlea or other synagogues.

He will have to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court later in November for a bail review hearing.