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Girrawheen home invasion: One of accused in horror attack on elderly couple was released immigration detainee

Phil Hickey and Troy de Ruyter
The Nightly
One of the trio accused of bashing a pensioner in WA is an immigration detainee released after a landmark High Court ruling.
One of the trio accused of bashing a pensioner in WA is an immigration detainee released after a landmark High Court ruling. Credit: WA Police

One of the trio accused of the brutal bashing of a pensioner in her own home in Western Australia is among dozens of detainees released from immigration detention after a landmark High Court ruling.

Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan was one of 149 people released from immigration detention after the ruling left the Albanese Government scrambling to bring in emergency laws to keep an eye on them.

But he allegedly breached some of those conditions and was hauled before a Perth court in February this year.

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On Monday, he was before the court again — this time charged over a shocking home invasion in Girrawheen that resulted in Ninette and Philip Simons being attacked.

Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan, 43, was flanked by three court security guards when he faced court from custody.

Wearing a blue chequered shirt, he kept his head down for the duration of the hearing.

He only spoke to confirm his name and that he understood the five charges brought against him.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded into custody to face court on June 10.

Mr and Mrs Simons were both at their Allinson Drive home on April 16 when it is alleged that three people arrived pretending to be police officers.

When Mr Simons, 76, opened the door of his home, he was immediately pushed to the ground and had his hands bound behind his back.

Mrs Simons, 73, was allegedly subsequently held to the ground and punched in the face several times, causing her to lose consciousness.

It will be further alleged that the offenders stole more than $200,000 worth of jewellery and other items before fleeing on foot.

Joondalup detectives and officers from the tactical response group executed several search warrants in Nollamara on Saturday.

During the search of a house on Newhaven Way, police found handcuffs, a WA Police badge wallet and a WA Police brim hat.

Several items of jewellery were also recovered.

A 38-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested at the home.

The man was charged with a number of offences relating to the aggravated home burglary.

Another search warrant was executed at Bangalla Place in Balcatta on Sunday, where a 48-year-old woman was arrested.

It will be alleged that the woman drove three men to and from the Girrawheen home on the night of the incident.

A short time later, about 5.30pm, Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan was arrested during the execution of a search warrant on Cape Street in Osborne Park.

Jewellery items were also recovered from that home and he was subsequently charged in relation to the aggravated home burglary.

As a result of an extensive investigation, three other people were also charged with related offences.

Detective Inspector Gary Butler was tight-lipped when repeatedly asked by reporters if the offenders had been released from immigration detention, but confirmed they were known to police.

Detective Inspector Gary Butler said the alleged bashing caused “enormous stress” for the victims.
Detective Inspector Gary Butler said the alleged bashing caused “enormous stress” for the victims. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian

As police continue to hunt for the third main offender, Det Insp Butler urged anyone with information about the crime — which he described as horrific and outrageous — to come forward.

“This incident has caused enormous stress and anxiety to Ninette and Philip,” he said.

“Life will never be the same for them.

“They are still extremely traumatised, they haven’t been home yet, they aren’t eating.”

Det Insp Butler said police believed it was an isolated, targeted offence and were still trying to work out how the couple came to the attention of the criminals.

“We’re comfortable that there’s no ongoing threat to members of the community,” he said.

Mrs Simons said the attack had left her feeling terrified and in a lot of pain.

“I am not the same person I used to be, I can hardly stand or walk,” she said. “I used to be able to go dancing and it is highly unlikely I will do it again.

“The dizziness is driving me crazy.”

Asked if the police items found at the Nollamara property had been stolen, Det Insp Butler said police were “also victims of crime”.

He warned members of the public to ask anyone claiming to be a member of the force to show photographic proof of identity, which all officers must carry.

“This can be shown when requested,” he said.

At Jamshidi Doukoshkan’s earlier hearing, the court was told he had been handed strict orders to stay at his East Perth residence between 10pm and 6am but allegedly breached curfew when he left his home late last Sunday night for 40 minutes.

He then went out again from 5.52am to 7.58am on Monday, and when the Australian Federal Police came knocking about six hours later, he refused to take part in an interview.

The court was told the 43-year-old had breached curfew several times but was not charged and was instead reminded of his conditions.

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