Shooting accused allegedly warned of 'big mistake'

A man is on trial for the attempted murder of his wife's new partner who was shot five times. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

In a social media post before allegedly shooting his former wife's new partner, Abil Malovski allegedly threatened there would be a price for everything when the time was right.

"Stop talking about my actions, you haven't seen my actions yet," Malovski wrote in a Facebook post which prosecutors allege referred to Steven 'Stewie' Grant.

"Stop pressing on my buttons, it's a very big mistake."

Malovski is standing trial for the attempted murder of Mr Grant, who was initially diagnosed as a complete paraplegic after being shot five times at a roadside reserve in Melton, north west of Melbourne, last year.

Prosecutor David Glynn told jurors that Malovski was extremely hostile toward Mr Grant and bitterly resentful of the role his former wife's new partner seemed to be playing in the lives of their two young children.

Malovski and his former wife had separated in February 2021.

In July that year its alleged Malovski became aware of the connection between Mr Grant and his former wife, through access he still had to some of her phone calls and messages.

It's alleged that Malovski made several phone calls to Mr Grant in July 2021, 10 months before the shooting, calling him a dog and suggesting he was going to "find him".

In early 2022 he made a series of cryptic Facebook posts, including allegedly referring to Mr Grant as a "pig".

"There will be a price for everything just when the time is right," one post said.

"Some people don't realise when they do a big mistake."

Mr Grant had never met Malovski.

"He's still never met him - if you don't count getting shot by him," Mr Glynn said.

The day before Mother's Day last year, the woman and Mr Grant were selling flowers at a roadside reserve in Melton - a tradition started by her father.

It's alleged Malovski drove past the reserve and saw the pair, and returned a short time later.

Mr Glynn said Malovski fired multiple shots at Mr Grant, chasing him around the reserve.

One bullet struck his thumb, another grazed his neck, one went through his hat and the final two bullets struck him in the back.

The final bullet landed close to Mr Grant's spine.

He was left with serious injuries and after initially being diagnosed as a complete paraplegic has made some steps toward recovery.

Jurors heard 11 people witnessed various aspects of the shooting, which was also captured on dashcam footage from multiple passing vehicles.

Mr Grant is among the witnesses expected to give evidence in the trial before Justice Andrew Tinney.

Malovski handed himself in to police two days later, allegedly telling officers he had shot Mr Grant in self-defence.

His barrister will open the defence case on Thursday morning, before jurors are taken to tour the scene.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store