A teenager accused of attempted murder over the shooting of a former Mongols bikie will walk free from prison after prosecutors struck out serious charges.
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Suleiman "Sam" Abdulrahim, a Melbourne boxer known as "The Punisher", was ambushed in his Mercedes as he was leaving his cousin's funeral in Fawkner in June last year.
He sustained four bullet wounds to his chest but survived the attack, managing to drive to a police station to seek help.
The two suspected gunmen fled Australia within 48 hours of the attack.
Yasir Al Qassim, 19, was charged with attempted murder, along with firearm and driving offences, in August 2022.
But prosecutors withdrew the attempted murder charge in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, admitting the 19-year-old was not involved in the shooting.
He instead pleaded guilty to arson, weapon and driving offences, after being seen purchasing two jerry cans used to set a car on fire by other offenders.
His barrister Peter Morrissey SC asked for the court to hand Al Qassim a sentence with time served, due to his young age and the guilty plea.
Al Qassim had already spent 304 days in an adult prison and it was time for him to be released, he said.
Magistrate Kieran Gilligan agreed and sentenced Al Qassim to time served, meaning he will soon walk free from prison.
The two accused shooters are believed to still be overseas and have not yet been arrested or charged, Victoria Police confirmed.
Australian Associated Press
