“I’m Not Satisfied You Are Truly Remorseful for Your Actions”: Justice Beale Passes 29-Year Prison Sentence to Shooter Responsible for Killing a Man During a Melbourne Boxing Event

In a somber courtroom scene, Justice Christopher Beale delivered a decisive sentence of 29 years and three months to Abdullah El Nasher, the 31-year-old gunman responsible for the fatal shooting outside Melbourne Pavilion during a Big Time Boxing event.

The incident claimed the life of 33-year-old Benjamin Togiai, who sustained a chest injury and left another man, Omar Bchinnati, with a leg injury requiring surgery. The court’s judgment unfolded as a culmination of a tragic event that occurred on March 1, 2019.

Abdullah El Nasher’s Indifference

El Nasher, seemingly indifferent during the hour-long hearing, shifted around in his seat, emitting audible sighs. The court heard that he attended the Kensington venue with family and friends, including his former co-accused Osamma Allouche, whom the jury found not guilty. Positioned at table 28, El Nasher faced taunting and abuse from patrons at table 64. This confrontation led him to retrieve a pistol, which he kept in a “manbag.”

Almost an hour and a half later, just before 10 pm, CCTV captured El Nasher firing five shots into a crowd of about 20 people leaving the venue, including those seated at table 64. While Mr. Allouche fired one shot that didn’t hit anyone, the jury found El Nasher guilty of murder and intentionally causing serious injury. The jury rejected his defense of acting in self-defense, and Justice Beale dismissed El Nasher’s credibility as a witness.

Despite El Nasher’s family asserting remorse in letters to the court, Justice Beale remained unconvinced of his genuine remorse, stating,

 “I’m not satisfied you are truly remorseful for your actions; rather, you are sorry for yourself.” The court also heard that El Nasher fled Victoria after the shooting, but authorities arrested him in NSW eight days later.

Beyond the Verdict: Remembering Benjamin Togiai

As officials led Abdullah El Nasher from the courtroom to commence his lengthy sentence, his former co-accused, Allouche, who had been found not guilty, shouted words of support. “Abs, keep your head up.”

Outside the courtroom, the family of Benjamin Togiai expressed gratitude for the legal resolution, acknowledging the efforts of police prosecutors and witnesses who played a crucial role in bringing justice to Togiai’s killer. Sharon Togiai, Togiai’s sister, stressed that although justice had been served, it wouldn’t bring back her brother. She described him as an “amazing person” who was bubbly, super happy, and always willing to help others.

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In the aftermath of the sentencing, emotions ran high, with El Nasher’s family maintaining his innocence and decrying the verdict as unjust. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of senseless violence on the lives of those left behind.

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