‘No bail’ for machete friendly fire pair in Joondalup Magistrates Court after alleged Wanneroo home invasion

Two men caught up in a machete friendly fire when an alleged home invasion in Perth’s north went wrong this week have both appeared in custody from very different places.

Rohan James Baran, 37, fronted Joondalup Magistrates Court on Tuesday via a bedside hearing after he was allegedly struck by 27-year-old George Robert Blurton, his alleged accomplice, who appeared by custody.

During the short appearance via Royal Perth Hospital, Mr Baran replied softly “yeah, I can sir” when asked if he could hear Magistrate Matthew Walton when his name was called in court.

Police say they are seeking a third man after the pair were arrested on Monday during the alleged home invasion gaffe in Wanneroo about 12.20am.

Two people were home — a man in his 50s and another in his 20s — understood to have bravely confronted the alleged intruders who were armed with a machete and a hammer, police say.

CCTV footage obtained reveals the three men allegedly jumping a side gate to the property carrying the weapons.

During the scuffle, police allege Mr Blurton struck Mr Baran in the head with the machete leaving him with serious injuries.

Police later apprehended Mr Baran at the Civic Drive property after his alleged accomplices fled the scene via the side gate leaving his bloodied self inside.

Mr Baran was transferred to RPH where he was later charged with aggravated home burglary with intent and assault to prevent arrest.

Mr Baran who is due to undergo surgery for his injuries either on Tuesday or Wednesday — backed down on his attempt to apply for bail in Joondalup Court after Mr Walton made it clear the court prosecutor would oppose it.

“Mr Baran in your situation — your health is your priority at this point in time,” Mr Walton said. “Given your current circumstances it’s going to be difficult for you if you make a bail application now.

“That’s why I remand you in custody, then you have your operation to recuperate for a court appearance next week with legal aid to speak to you then.”

At the end of the call Mr Baran thanked Mr Walton and said “sorry for wasting your time”.

It was a similar story for Mr Blurton who was also refused bail despite doubling down when warned not to apply for it.

The accused was arrested after Mr Baran — when a K9 officer tracked him down later that morning allegedly hiding not far from the Wanneroo home — he is facing four charges including aggravated home burglary and threats to kill.

“The situation is that, no doubt you would want to obtain legal advice given it’s your first appearance,” Mr Walton said.

“And the question is if I put it off, whether you’ll apply for bail or not.” Mr Blurton indicated that he was still adamant to apply for bail.

Sitting in court with two other family members who had travelled from Armadale, an Aboriginal advocate stood up and told the court that Mr Blurton was still yet to speak to a lawyer.

“We only found out last night and we haven’t been able to get any legal advice,” she said. “The advice should be that he remands in Hakea Prison until he can get legal advice.”

By that point police prosecutor Sgt Steven Rollings said “yes sir” when asked by Mr Walton if he would oppose bail.

“You can apply for bail if you want to, but it would likely be more in your interest to apply for it after you received legal advice,” Mr Walton said.

“You can come back tomorrow where there will be a duty lawyer and you can appear either in person or via video link . . . what would you like to do?”

There was a matter of 10 seconds of silence in the room before Mr Blurton replied quietly “apply for bail” — to which a chorus of sigh was let out in the gallery.

“I repeat . . . if you apply for bail today it makes it harder for you in future. What would you like to do today?” Mr Walton said.

Mr Blurton replied the words “wait until tomorrow”. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday for a mention while Mr Baran will reappear in Joondalup Magistrates Court via video link in Hakea Prison on August 2.

Outside court when quizzed by a reporter, Mr Blurton’s advocate said “we’re in full support for Mr Blurton”.