Man charged over anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney's east granted bail

One of the two men charged over an anti-Israel vandalism attack in Sydney's east last year has been granted bail, after a Supreme Court judge described the alleged offences as "planned and focused hate crimes".

Thomas Stojanovski was arrested in late November after 10 vehicles and buildings were damaged at Woollahra.

Police said two people were recorded on CCTV spray-painting along Wellington Street, causing about $100,000 worth of damage, including to a car that was set on fire.

According to the Crown case, Mr Stojanovski acted as a driver and held a torch as slogans were painted.

While the 20-year-old will be freed on bail, he will effectively be under house arrest after Justice Julia Lonergan imposed a long list of conditions.

She said she was aware of "the level of community shock and outrage" arising from the alleged crimes.

"The offences … are serious offences," she said.

"Hate slogans directed at a group of people dehumanises that group and labels them worthy of hate."

'Overwhelming level of abhorrence' 

The judge noted any suggestion that the alleged offences were motivated by relevant racist views would need to be proved beyond reasonable doubt, which Mr Stojanovski's lawyers have argued will be difficult for prosecutors.

Justice Lonergan said racism was an "ugliness" that could sometimes be found "lurking in the shadows" until an opportunity can be taken for it to manifest.

The court heard Mr Stojanovski's fingerprints were found on the inside and outside of a vehicle alleged to have been used for transporting the men to Woollahra.

According to Crown material released by the court, a review of Mr Farhat's mobile phone revealed he had searched for terms including "Jewish Hospital Bondi" on the night.

"It is the Crown case that (Mr Stojanovski) and co-accused intended to cause fear and alarm towards members of the Jewish community by targeting vehicles and buildings in a location nearby to the Wolper Jewish Hospital," the Crown's submissions say.

According to a police statement of alleged facts, victims are seeking compensation for the damage caused to their vehicles.

In written submissions on behalf of Mr Stojanovski, his lawyers said the prosecution must prove their client was one of the two people depicted in CCTV images who had their faces concealed.

They added: "Significantly, all forensic links to any of the 'tools' used by the (alleged) offenders are not connected to (Mr Stojanovski)."

Last month, the court heard there is a "strong" prosecution case against the 20-year-old, including a cast seen on the arm of one of the men in the CCTV which could link him to the scene.

Mr Stojanovski has a wrist fracture, the court heard.

During a bail application, Crown Prosecutor Diana Paterson said the charges, which include damaging property, involved "deeply offensive slogans" and the court could take into account the "absolutely objectionable and distasteful" nature of what was painted.

Ms Paterson said while the offending "could be seen to be at a lower type of offending", it still had an "underlying and overwhelming level of abhorrence attached to it".

Lawyer argues against vandalism 'ideological nature'

Co-accused Mohommed Farhat was arrested at Sydney Airport, before Mr Stojanovski who was arrested at his home, the court heard.

Barrister Peter Lange, representing Mr Stojanovski, previously said Mr Farhat was found to be tattooed to the neck and throat with images depicting declared terrorist group Hezbollah.

"It demonstrates at least on the part of the [co-accused], an interest in such topics," he said.

But Mr Lange told the judge there was "not one shred of evidence" that anything of an "ideological nature" was discovered in relation to his client.

The judge said while she agreed the Crown case was strong, she said if Mr Stojanovski was not granted bail, he could be waiting up to 18 months for a trial.

The judge also noted his wrist fracture requires medical attention and he has strong community ties, with both his parents attending every court date.

"They have expressed their shock at the offences with which the applicant has been charged," she said.

Mr Stojanovski, who has spent some three months in custody, planned to work with his father, the court previously heard.

In material handed to the judge, his mother said that if he failed to comply with the bail undertaking, she would "not hesitate to notify police immediately".

Under his bail conditions he must report to police daily and surrender his passport.

He's also prohibited from drinking or taking illegal drugs, entering the suburb of Woollahra, going within 500 metres of any international departure point, and communicating with his co-accused.

The case returns to court next month.