Barber accused in six-hour gang rape granted bail in NSW Supreme Court

Adam Abdul-Hamid, 19, was granted bail in the New South Wales Supreme Court on Friday and released to home detention, with a narrow exception allowing him to work at the barber shop he runs. Abdul-Hamid, along with three other teenagers who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of taking part in a six-hour sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl at multiple Sydney locations in December 2024. Justice Hament Dhanji said the Crown’s case was relatively strong but the exact nature of Abdul-Hamid’s involvement would have to be resolved by a jury. The judge also noted that the likelihood of a trial not occurring until 2027 was particularly acute given there was no certainty of a conviction. Abdul-Hamid has been in custody since his arrest in June, charged with five counts of aggravated sexual assault in company. Prosecutors say DNA evidence found on the car used during the assaults links him to the acts, although they do not allege he physically assaulted the woman.

The bail arrangement requires Abdul-Hamid to remain under house arrest for the duration of his bail, with the sole exception allowing him to attend work at the barber shop he operates. He is due to return to Campbelltown Local Court on October 8.

Police describe the alleged sequence of events as follows: the victim, a 17-year-old girl, was initially approached at a shopping centre in Liverpool, in southwest Sydney, by a 16-year-old boy whom she did not know. He allegedly asked to be driven to a park in a nearby suburb, and she agreed with the understanding he would exit the vehicle there. At the park, two other males entered the car and allegedly joined in the sexual assaults. A fourth male arrived in another car, and the assaults continued as the girl was driven around for six hours. During the alleged assault, Abdul-Hamid was reportedly asked, “do you want to have a turn?” and allegedly replied, “No, I’m all right.”

The case remains before the court, with prosecutors pursuing five counts of aggravated sexual assault in company. Court documents indicate Abdul-Hamid’s defense will hinge on how the jury views his level of involvement in the broader acts. Support services remain available for those affected by sexual violence through national helplines and local services.