Justin Robinson and Damian Arkeveld: Anti-Semitic graffiti accused claims ‘complete respect’ for Jewish people

A man charged over anti-Semitic graffiti across Perth will remain behind bars for at least the next month after allegedly being found with a pro-Hitler message on his phone, but claims he has complete respect for the Jewish community. Police prosecutor Sgt James Somers opposed bail for Damian Joshua Arkeveld, saying the case against him was stronger than for Justin Charles Robinson both aged 27. Sgt Somers said Mr Arkeveld had a prior criminal record, a “blatant disregard” for court orders and evidence for the offences in Nedlands, Dianella and Dalkeith over the weekend pointed directly to him. A brick wall on a Dalkeith property was defaced with a Nazi swastika and the words ‘f... Jews’ sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning. At the same time, a For Sale sign outside another residence about 400m away was daubed with the words “WA Labor nazis”. A campaign sign for Labor’s Mt Lawley candidate Frank Paolino on a Dianella bus stop was also offensively defaced. A swastika was also spray-painted on the driveway of a home in Langford last week, but police are still investigating. News of the Nedlands offence only emerged on Wednesday, when both men fronted Perth Magistrates Court, with Mr Robinson facing four counts of criminal damage in circumstances of racial aggravation, while Mr Arkeveld has five. The additional charge relates to the Dianella offence. Sgt Somers said the pair used Mr Arkeveld’s car and it was his phone “pinging” in the areas where the crimes occurred. “So the case is much stronger,” the officer said. “He is more likely to receive a term of imprisonment.” Sgt Somers claimed there were examples of anti-Semitic messages on his phone, including “Hitler was correct” accompanied by an image of a swastika. “There are numerous messages that demonstrate hostile views towards the Jewish community,” he said. At that point, appearing from behind perspex flanked by security guards, Mr Arkeveld interjected. “Your honour, can I just say I don’t hold anti-Semitic views,” he said. But he persevered. “I respect the Jewish community completely,” he added, insisting he didn’t know how the messages got on his phone. Ms Dias told his Legal Aid duty lawyer he was “in a more serious situation” and she was inclined to refuse bail because she was concerned he would breach the conditions of his release. In light of that, the lawyer asked for the bail application to be adjourned part-heard, which Ms Dias said was in Mr Arkeveld’s best interests. He was remanded in custody until March 5. Earlier, Mr Robinson hid his face and ran away from news crews after he appeared in court. Sgt Somers had opposed his bail, saying there were “no conditions that will prevent any escalation from the offending”. “The offending is targeting the Jewish community,” he said. “We are unsure if there is the likelihood that behaviour against this specific group will escalate or continue on. “While the offending is not violent itself it certainly incites violence.” Sgt Somers described the alleged offending as “racially motivated” and said the accused could face jail time if found guilty. But Mr Robinson’s lawyer Mark Andrews secured him bail after he spent a night in custody. Police allege they have CCTV of the pair committing the offences and phone evidence also implicates Mr Robinson. Sgt Somers added that clothing investigators believe was worn by him on the night of the incidents was found during searches of properties in Beechboro and Dianella. Mr Robinson’s bail conditions include that he cannot go within 200m of a Jewish synagogue. As he sprinted away from reporters and dodged questions, his hat was blown away. He is also required to not contact his co-accused, obey an overnight curfew and reside at his parents’ Bassendean property. He will also next appear in court on March 5. Mr Andrews said his client was not currently employed but worked intermittently and had no criminal history. The charges come after an extensive police investigation, led by the State Security Investigation Group.