Bondi terror case delayed as prosecutors cite unprecedented investigation
The criminal case against Naveed Akram over the Bondi attack was delayed until February as prosecutors finished a large investigation.
At a glance
- The criminal case against Naveed Akram over the Bondi attack was delayed until 24 February.
- Prosecutors expect to certify charges against Akram, including 15 murder counts, by the new date.
- The joint counter-terrorism team called the investigation unprecedented.
The criminal case against Naveed Akram over the alleged Bondi terror attack was adjourned until 24 February at Sydney’s Downing Centre local court.
The delay came as prosecutors told the court they had completed a large brief of evidence against Akram. Prosecutors had first charged Akram with 59 offences in December, then added 19 more in April as the investigation progressed.
The matter was put back after prosecutor Danielle New applied for more time, and the judge, Karen Stafford, granted the adjournment. Prosecutors said they expect to be ready to certify charges against Akram by the new date.
Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, were accused of killing 15 people and injuring 40 after the attack at a Hanukah event at Bondi beach on 14 December. Naveed Akram was allegedly charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act that investigators say may have been inspired by Isis. He has not yet entered a plea. Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene.
The prosecutor told the court the brief included thousands of witness statements, medical records, financial documents and purchases, plus footage from Bondi beach. She said the joint counter-terrorism team had conducted an investigation described as unprecedented. New also said the commitment by all involved was highly professional.
New said the team had not wanted to rush consultations with alleged victims and their families before charges were certified. The certification process formally lists offences before a trial. The prosecutor said her team was conscious of Hanukah, the Christmas holidays and the court shutdown period.
Source: The Guardian.
Questions and answers
- When will the Bondi terror case against Naveed Akram return to court?
- The matter was adjourned until 24 February. Prosecutors said they expect to be ready to certify charges against Akram by that date.
- How many offences was Naveed Akram charged with?
- He was charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He has not yet entered a plea.
- What did prosecutors say about the investigation?
- The joint counter-terrorism team was described as conducting an unprecedented investigation. The brief included thousands of witness statements, medical records and Bondi beach footage.
