Ethan James Sundo: Young man charged with violent armed robbery of Katanning toilet cleaner granted bail

The identity of a young man who allegedly sliced a cleaner with a bladed weapon at a Katanning park in a violent and unprovoked attack has been revealed. Ethan James Sundo appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court on Friday, charged with aggravated armed robbery. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell granted the 19-year-old bail despite the “very serious set of circumstances”, which she said were “completely unprovoked and random”. Sgt Warrick Walker opposed bail concerned that the accused had no fixed address and was at risk of re-offending. Sgt Walker told the court there was a strong prosecution case with CCTV footage, a witness statement, evidence from blood and fingernail scrapings, and location data from Mr Sundo’s phone identifying the accused. Police said about 7.35pm on November 6 at Lions Park near Clive Street and Blantyre Street, Mr Sundo found the complainant’s Toyota sedan unlocked. Mr Sundo allegedly waited about eight minutes before setting upon the complainant — a cleaner in his 50s who was cleaning inside the toilet block — as he was exiting a cubicle. Sgt Walker said Mr Sundo struggled with the complainant before cutting his car key from a lanyard around his neck and running to the car. The complainant followed Mr Sundo and twice pulled him from the driver’s seat, with Mr Sundo swinging the weapon’s blade at the complainant and punching him in the stomach. The struggle allegedly ended when the complainant placed himself between the accused and the driver’s seat. Mr Sundo fled the scene and was arrested in Yakamia, Albany, the following day and charged. Sgt Walker said the complainant — who was treated by St John WA at the scene — suffered significant wounds to his hands and fingers. Ms O’Donnell said the prosecution’s case seemed “reasonably strong”, with circumstantial and direct evidence of Mr Sundo’s presence at the scene and his concerted effort to get the key from the complainant. She added that imprisonment was likely if Mr Sundo was convicted and the use of a weapon was “a very serious matter”. After a lengthy deliberation, Ms O’Donnell granted Mr Sundo bail, noting his youth and clean adult record. Mr Sundo was bailed with a $1000 personal undertaking and a $1000 surety on condition that he live at a Mt Barker address, abide by a 7pm to 6am curfew, and not enter the Katanning township. His matter was adjoined until December 12.