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Newtown synagogue arson accused motivated by money, not hatred, court told

Australian Associated Press

created: July 14, 2025, 6:52 a.m. | updated: July 14, 2025, 9:18 a.m.

A man who allegedly started a fire at a Sydney synagogue was not motivated by hatred or religious beliefs but instead was following instructions for a payday, a court has been told. He and neighbour Leon Emmanuel Sofilas allegedly left a van containing fire extinguishers filled with red paint to be collected by people who used them to spray paint an offensive slogan on property in Queens Park. Moule then allegedly set a small fire at the synagogue, the boundary wall of which Sofilas allegedly defaced with nearly a dozen swastikas. He granted Moule bail under strict conditions including daily reporting to police, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and abiding by a nightly curfew. Moule has also been charged with growing 15 cannabis plants and possessing five stolen debit cards after police raided his home.

4 days, 8 hours ago: World news | The Guardian