A man accused of shooting a woman on his property near Pyramid Hill has been allowed to return home, almost four months after the incident.
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Abdul Elraoui, 69, was bailed to his son's address in Sunshine in June, the day after a 21-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound.
Mr Elraoui allegedly shot at people he discovered on his central Victorian property in the early hours of June 11, hitting a woman in the ribs and arm.
On Wednesday he applied to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to vary his bail conditions to allow him to resume living at his property.
This was opposed by police and the prosecution.
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Detective Senior Constable Michael Saliba told the court the whereabouts of a .22 firearm belonging to Mr Elraoui were not known and Mr Elraoui had shown himself able to acquire unregistered firearms, such as the .223 semi-automatic rifle used in the alleged crime.
Detective Senior Constable Saliba said police also held concerns about Mr Elraoui's mental state, alleging he had shown he would resort to "extreme violence" when threatened.
His ability to continue with mental health treatment was another concern.
Detective Senior Constable Saliba said there was a risk of another similar incident occurring should people again attend at Mr Elraoui's property.
But the court heard police had not found the missing .22 rifle on two previous searches of the property.
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Mr Elraoui's son also gave evidence that his father had a GP in Kerang and was able to drive.
He was prepared to travel and check up on his father regularly, he said, and told the court a clearing sale was organised to sell goods on the property in a bid to deter would-be thieves.
Defence lawyer Cameron Marshall submitted Mr Elraoui's alleged offence was "an unusual event in unusual circumstances" that was not likely to happen again.
Magistrate Sarah Leighfield approved the application to vary bail, allowing Mr Elraoui to return to his property. But he must report to police in Kerang once a week and continue mental health treatment.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
