An Ipswich rugby league player and coach has been granted bail after being accused of pushing a man from a balcony in Stapylton, leaving him paraplegic.
Ramon Steve Max Filipine, 40, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on August 15 to apply for bail.
He has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm while armed/in company and grievous bodily harm.
Police allege the incident took place on August 9 at the home of 52-year-old Ashley Sabry.
Officers told the court three men had arrived at the property seeking a refund for a 2013 Nissan Pulsar sold days earlier.
A row allegedly broke out between the men and Mr Sabry.
Former Ipswich rugby league player Ramon Steve Max Filipine charged after balcony push leaves Queensland man paraplegic
Police allege Filipine pushed Ashley Sabry (right) from a balcony, causing catastrophic spinal injuries and leaving him permanently paraplegic
The confrontation is said to have escalated to the first-floor balcony of the Stapylton home.
Mr Sabry was allegedly pushed or thrown from the balcony to the ground below.
He suffered catastrophic spinal injuries and has since been left a paraplegic.
Police claim he was then struck with timber from the broken balustrade.
The court heard prosecutors would allege Mr Filipine was responsible for both the push and the strike.
He was arrested on August 14, while a 33-year-old man from Forest Lake faces the same charges.
During the bail hearing, Mr Filipine was represented by lawyer Karl Brandon of Laneway Legal.
Mr Brandon told the court the allegations were ‘quite unusual.’
Confrontation allegedly began over refund dispute for a recently sold 2013 Nissan Pulsar at Stapylton home
Bail conditions prohibit Filipine contacting victim Ashley Sabry, his wife Mary, or third person allegedly involved
He argued it was said that ‘Mr Filipine pushed Mr Sabry into the balustrade and the whole thing gave way.’
‘It was not alleged my client intended to cause the injury and he didn’t intentionally set out to hurt Mr Sabry, having been at the premises for over half an hour before anything untoward happened.’
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing the life-changing injuries suffered by Mr Sabry.
They argued Mr Filipine posed a risk of fleeing the jurisdiction.
The court heard he was born in New Zealand but had lived in Australia since he was two.
Mr Brandon said there was no prospect of flight, stressing Filipine’s strong ties to Queensland.
He noted his family lived locally and pointed to his history playing rugby league in Ipswich.
The court also heard Mr Filipine is a father-of-five with another child due within weeks.
Confrontation allegedly began over refund dispute for a recently sold 2013 Nissan Pulsar at Stapylton home
His lawyer said his detention would have a huge impact on his family.
References were tendered to the court, including one from his wife, highlighting financial hardship if he remained in custody.
Magistrate Mark Bamberry acknowledged the support letters and weighed them against the seriousness of the allegations.
Mr Bamberry granted bail under strict conditions.
Mr Filipine must not contact Mr Sabry, his wife Mary, or the third person involved in the alleged incident.
He is also prohibited from visiting their home.
The magistrate declined to require surrender of his passport, noting his 38 years in Australia.
The matter will return to Beenleigh Magistrates Court on September 17.
Filipine’s playing career marred by controversies including drunken antics, suspensions, and prior off-field disciplinary issues
Mr Sabry’s friend Tina Ibraheem has launched a GoFundMe to support him and his wife Mary.
The fundraiser notes he faces a long hospital stay and years of rehabilitation.
It outlines costs for a wheelchair accessible home, modified vehicle, medical equipment, and ongoing care.
In her appeal Tina wrote: ‘They’ve always been the first to give and the last to ask for help. It is not in either of their nature to ask for help but this is our chance to carry them through the hardest life changing event.
‘This uphill battle is bigger than any one person, and it is time for us to stand by them the way they have supported many others.’
Filipine’s sporting career has been marred by controversy.
He once played for the Ipswich Jets, coached by former Broncos Ben and Shane Walker.
His time there ended in 2012 when he was released following off-field incidents, including throwing a beer can at a person.
He was formally sacked after alleged drunken antics during the Ipswich Rugby League grand final on September 16.
Later, as captain of the Goodna Eagles, he led the club to back-to-back A Grade titles.
He was named player of the year in 2016 for his performances.
In 2018 he received a 12-month ban for a shoulder charge and contrary conduct.
In 2023, Filipe played with the Dalby Diehards after moving on from Goodna.
Filipe then moved into the coaching ranks, mentoring the Redbank Bears A-Grade team in 2024.
