Jared Pilgren issued a chilling warning after his sons' court appearance. Photo / 9 News
Jared Pilgren issued a chilling warning after his sons' court appearance. Photo / 9 News
Jared Pilgren sat at the back of Court 4 at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon as a police officer urged his son not to live with him.
Sergeant Matthew Rizun told the court the father of two boys accused of bashing Victorian Assistant Police Commissioner Chris O'Neill has an "extreme hatred for police" and has been "extremely uncooperative".
He said Pilgren had refused to help police track down his two boys, Jay Stephens, 20, and Isaiah Stephens, 18, after Saturday night's incident that left O'Neill with fractured ribs and internal bleeding.
Rizun told the court the family had also been "very active" on social media after the two brothers were allegedly kicked off a train for urinating and vomiting in a carriage before crossing paths with the off-duty police officer.
He was referring to Facebook posts from Pilgren, seen by news.com.au. One of the posts, which has since been deleted, read: "I'd piss on you Chris O'Neill ya maggot dog. I got zero respect and you know why. F*** the police and your crew ya swine. You attack mine, god help yours."
Jared Pilgren called the victim of a bashing a 'maggot dog' on Facebook.
Another read: "Cops want war let's start gangland killings again."
Outside court, Pilgren told reporters he hates police.
Isaiah Stephens, 18, allegedly kicked and punched Chris O'Neill in the head and chest. Photo / Facebook
He told reporters he believed the brothers did not know they were attacking a policeman but reiterated his belief the Assistant Commissioner was a "maggot" when pressed on the matter.
"Why did you call the Assistant Commissioner a maggot?" Pilgren was asked by 9 News.
"Because he is," he responded.
Jay Stephens, 20, allegedly kicked and punched Chris O'Neill in the head and chest. Photo / Facebook
Both Jay and Isaiah appeared in court wearing T-shirts and with their heads shaved. CCTV footage from Heyington Station on Saturday night shows Isaiah's hair was past his shoulders.
Rizun said police found the teen's hair when they raided a property at Malvern East.
Jay Stephens did not apply for bail and was remanded ahead of his next court date. Isaiah's bail application will be heard on Friday.
The court heard the pair had been "intimidating" passengers on the Glen Waverley line after drinking alcohol at Southern Cross station.
They were asked to leave the train by Metro Trains authorised officers. When they disembarked at Heyington, O'Neill was on the platform.
The pair were allegedly "intimidating" passengers on the train. Photo / Victoria Police
Contrary to earlier reports that O'Neill crossed paths with the brothers at nearby St Kevin's College, Rizun told the court he followed the brothers into the school grounds because he thought they were likely to cause trouble.
"The victim informed me that as he turned the corner, Jay Stephens said to him 'What are you looking at?'" Rizun said.
Assistant Commissioner Chris O'Neill is recovering after the incident. Photo / News.com.au
"Mr O'Neill said, 'Nothing mate'."
Rizun said an "unprovoked" attack followed that included both co-accused punching O'Neill to the face and body.
He was released from hospital on Monday and has not yet spoken to the media.
