Criminal case against alleged Bondi terrorist delayed amid ‘unprecedented’ investigation
Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 78 offences after allegedly committing a terrorist act. The case has been adjourned until February
The criminal case against Naveed Akram for his alleged role in the Bondi terror attack faces more delays after an “unprecedented” investigation by the joint counterterrorism team.
The matter will not return to court until 24 February after it was adjourned on Wednesday before Sydney’s Downing centre local court. Prosecutors expect to be ready to certify the charges against Naveed Akram, who is yet to enter a plea, by that date.
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Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court adjourned the case against Naveed Akram until 24 February.
"The matter will not return to court until 24 February after it was adjourned on Wednesday before Sydney's Downing centre local court."
Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram allegedly murdered 15 people at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach on 14 December, injuring 40 others.
"Akram, 24, and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, allegedly murdered 15 people after opening fire at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach on 14 December. Forty people were injured."
A police fact sheet alleged the pair meticulously planned the terrorist attack for many months, including an ISIS-inspired video, firearm training and explosives.
"In December, the police "fact sheet" – which was released via the courts and outlined the then allegations against Naveed – alleged there was evidence that the pair "meticulously planned this terrorist attack for many months". This allegedly included the creation of an "ISIS inspired" video, firearm training and the making of explosives."
Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene.
"Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene."
Akram was charged with 59 offences in December, with 19 more added in April as the investigation progressed.
"Akram was charged with 59 offences in December, with 19 more added in April as the investigation progressed."
Police alleged the pair made a reconnaissance visit to Bondi two days before the attack, including the footbridge from which they allegedly fired.
"The pair, police said in the document, allegedly undertook a "reconnaissance" visit to Bondi two days before the attack, visiting the footbridge from which they're accused of deliberately firing at those gathered at the Jewish festival."
Prosecutors said they had completed a brief of evidence including thousands of witness statements, medical records, financial statements and Bondi beach footage.
"She said prosecutors had now completed their brief of evidence, which had also been beset by delays due to the sheer volume of evidence involved in the case."
"New said the brief of evidence included thousands of witness statements, medical records, financial statements and purchases made by the Akrams, and footage from Bondi beach on the evening of the attack."
Naveed Akram has been charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
"Akram, who survived a shootout with police, has been charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act that investigators allege may have been "inspired by Isis"."
Judge Karen Stafford granted the adjournment so investigators could consult the alleged victims and next of kin before charges are certified.
"Judge Karen Stafford granted the adjournment after New argued more time was needed so investigators could consult the Akrams' alleged victims and next of kin on the charges laid against Naveed ahead of the offences being certified before the court."
Prosecutor Danielle New told the court the joint counter terrorism team had conducted an investigation of unprecedented size.
""The [joint counter terrorism team] has engaged in an investigation the size of which has been unprecedented," New told the court."