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Sydney siege inquest: court not told Monis was on bail at time of alleged assaults – as it happened Sydney siege inquest: court not told Monis was on bail at time of alleged assaults – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
4.30pm AEST07:304.30pm AEST07:30
With that evidence done for the day, detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad will be back tomorrow for further evidence.With that evidence done for the day, detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad will be back tomorrow for further evidence.
The questions over Man Haron Monis being granted bail are mounting. Today we have learned:The questions over Man Haron Monis being granted bail are mounting. Today we have learned:
Updated at 4.39pm AEST Updated at 5.39pm AEST
4.21pm AEST07:214.21pm AEST07:21
The Director of Public Prosecutions solicitor who did the bail application of Man Haron Monis in October 2014 had never done a bail application before.The Director of Public Prosecutions solicitor who did the bail application of Man Haron Monis in October 2014 had never done a bail application before.
Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis says she did not know that Monis had been on bail when three of his sexual and indecent assault offences were allegedly committed.Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis says she did not know that Monis had been on bail when three of his sexual and indecent assault offences were allegedly committed.
Had we been aware of the overlaps, we would have brought it to the attention of the DPP when seeking bail.Had we been aware of the overlaps, we would have brought it to the attention of the DPP when seeking bail.
The magistrate was not told that Monis had allegedly committed three of the offences while on bail for sending abusive letters to families of dead Australian servicemen. If the court had been told, it is unlikely Monis would have been granted bail.The magistrate was not told that Monis had allegedly committed three of the offences while on bail for sending abusive letters to families of dead Australian servicemen. If the court had been told, it is unlikely Monis would have been granted bail.
Asked if she should have found out and informed the DPP about Monis being on bail, Vavayis responds:Asked if she should have found out and informed the DPP about Monis being on bail, Vavayis responds:
Not necessarily, he was still the DPP solicitor with carriage of the manner, my job in that respect is to provide him with the information I’m aware of. My job is not to make his decisions for him or to be an expert in terms of what he does in the court room, that’s his domain.Not necessarily, he was still the DPP solicitor with carriage of the manner, my job in that respect is to provide him with the information I’m aware of. My job is not to make his decisions for him or to be an expert in terms of what he does in the court room, that’s his domain.
There is a suppression order on the names of the DPP solicitors involved.There is a suppression order on the names of the DPP solicitors involved.
Updated at 4.35pm AESTUpdated at 4.35pm AEST
4.02pm AEST07:024.02pm AEST07:02
At least one of Man Haron Monis’s alleged sexual assault victims still believed Monis had mystical powers.At least one of Man Haron Monis’s alleged sexual assault victims still believed Monis had mystical powers.
Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis says the fear of the alleged victims was the core reason for her opposition to Monis’s bail.Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis says the fear of the alleged victims was the core reason for her opposition to Monis’s bail.
She [one of the victims] still held belief he had spiritual powers and could curse people just by knowing them, and may or may not know other people to get in touch with her.She [one of the victims] still held belief he had spiritual powers and could curse people just by knowing them, and may or may not know other people to get in touch with her.
... We made it clear [to the DPP] he had a propensity to track people down.... We made it clear [to the DPP] he had a propensity to track people down.
The barrister asks if the DPP also knew Monis had been in a “spiritual relationship” with a woman whose murder he had allegedly been involved in.The barrister asks if the DPP also knew Monis had been in a “spiritual relationship” with a woman whose murder he had allegedly been involved in.
The DPP was aware of that, yes.The DPP was aware of that, yes.
Updated at 4.12pm AESTUpdated at 4.12pm AEST
3.50pm AEST06:503.50pm AEST06:50
Homicide police asked for Monis's bail to be revokedHomicide police asked for Monis's bail to be revoked
Police in charge of the homicide investigation in which Man Haron Monis had been charged with accessory before and after the fact asked that his bail be revoked after he was charged with the sexual and indecent assault offences.Police in charge of the homicide investigation in which Man Haron Monis had been charged with accessory before and after the fact asked that his bail be revoked after he was charged with the sexual and indecent assault offences.
Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad fought unsuccessfully against Monis being granted bail for the 43 counts of sexual and indecent assault. The charges came a few months after Monis was granted bail on the charge of being an accessory to murder.Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad fought unsuccessfully against Monis being granted bail for the 43 counts of sexual and indecent assault. The charges came a few months after Monis was granted bail on the charge of being an accessory to murder.
Police in charge of the homicide investigation asked that his bail be revoked after he was charged with the sexual offences, it has just been revealed.Police in charge of the homicide investigation asked that his bail be revoked after he was charged with the sexual offences, it has just been revealed.
Vavayis says she was not told that homicide detectives tried to get his bail revoked at the time.Vavayis says she was not told that homicide detectives tried to get his bail revoked at the time.
Homicide police argued the offences were linked as Monis met the homicide victim and the victims of sexual assault through his spiritual healing business.Homicide police argued the offences were linked as Monis met the homicide victim and the victims of sexual assault through his spiritual healing business.
Updated at 3.54pm AESTUpdated at 3.54pm AEST
3.23pm AEST06:233.23pm AEST06:23
Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis has just been asked if in retrospect, should she have made more inquiries about whether Monis was on bail from his commonwealth offences when some of the sexual and indecent assault offences were committed?Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis has just been asked if in retrospect, should she have made more inquiries about whether Monis was on bail from his commonwealth offences when some of the sexual and indecent assault offences were committed?
No. My primary focus in my job is to present to the DPP what our concerns are in relation to bail. Our primary focus was on the fears they [the victims] held and my primary focus was on his behaviour and propensity to violence, it was not on the minute detail of the charges that had gone before.No. My primary focus in my job is to present to the DPP what our concerns are in relation to bail. Our primary focus was on the fears they [the victims] held and my primary focus was on his behaviour and propensity to violence, it was not on the minute detail of the charges that had gone before.
Updated at 3.33pm AESTUpdated at 3.33pm AEST
3.01pm AEST06:013.01pm AEST06:01
The counsel for the inquest has finished questioning detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad and she is now being cross-examined by barristers representing other parties.The counsel for the inquest has finished questioning detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad and she is now being cross-examined by barristers representing other parties.
Vavayis is talking about the basis of her opposition to Monis being granted bail for 43 sexual and indecent assaults. She was aware of his commonwealth offences, in which he tracked down families of dead Australian servicemen and wrote them abusive letters.Vavayis is talking about the basis of her opposition to Monis being granted bail for 43 sexual and indecent assaults. She was aware of his commonwealth offences, in which he tracked down families of dead Australian servicemen and wrote them abusive letters.
Vavayis was concerned Monis would track down the alleged victims of his assaults if he was granted bail.Vavayis was concerned Monis would track down the alleged victims of his assaults if he was granted bail.
A lawyer asks: “You thought he was a very clever and devious person?”A lawyer asks: “You thought he was a very clever and devious person?”
Yes.Yes.
“And he had the capacity to be able to get the phone numbers and addresses of complete strangers?”“And he had the capacity to be able to get the phone numbers and addresses of complete strangers?”
Yes, that’s correct.Yes, that’s correct.
Updated at 3.35pm AESTUpdated at 3.35pm AEST
2.36pm AEST05:362.36pm AEST05:36
SummarySummary
The next couple of weeks of the Sydney siege inquest will focus on why gunman Man Haron Monis was granted bail after being charged with accessory to murder and 43 sexual and indecent assault offences; whether the siege was terrorism; and where Monis got the gun he used during the siege.The next couple of weeks of the Sydney siege inquest will focus on why gunman Man Haron Monis was granted bail after being charged with accessory to murder and 43 sexual and indecent assault offences; whether the siege was terrorism; and where Monis got the gun he used during the siege.
On the first day of the resumption of the inquest, so far we have heard:On the first day of the resumption of the inquest, so far we have heard:
Updated at 2.56pm AESTUpdated at 2.56pm AEST
2.30pm AEST05:302.30pm AEST05:30
Denise Vavayis was told the likelihood of Man Haron Monis being refused bail was low and she made sure she included in documentation that police were strongly opposed to him being granted bail.Denise Vavayis was told the likelihood of Man Haron Monis being refused bail was low and she made sure she included in documentation that police were strongly opposed to him being granted bail.
Police brought the 40 further sexual and indecent charges against Monis on 10 October and Vavayis attended the court where Monis was charged.Police brought the 40 further sexual and indecent charges against Monis on 10 October and Vavayis attended the court where Monis was charged.
Police did not oppose bail in court after the DPP had said it was unlikely.Police did not oppose bail in court after the DPP had said it was unlikely.
Vavayis agrees she did not agree with the reasons to grant Monis bail but she understood them.Vavayis agrees she did not agree with the reasons to grant Monis bail but she understood them.
When asked if police acquiesced to the DPP in not opposing bail in court, Vavayis agrees.When asked if police acquiesced to the DPP in not opposing bail in court, Vavayis agrees.
We deferred to their expertise.We deferred to their expertise.
Monis was actually on bail for commonwealth offences when three of the alleged sexual and indecent offences were committed but Vavayis was unaware of it and the court was not told. If the court had been told it is likely Monis would not have been granted bail.Monis was actually on bail for commonwealth offences when three of the alleged sexual and indecent offences were committed but Vavayis was unaware of it and the court was not told. If the court had been told it is likely Monis would not have been granted bail.
When asked why she did not know Monis was on bail when three of the alleged offences were committed Vavayis responds:When asked why she did not know Monis was on bail when three of the alleged offences were committed Vavayis responds:
It’s not usual practice to go back through criminal history looking for bail. The primary focus of my investigation was on the complainants and victim protection for them ... to find out the minute details of a person’s bail is a fairly complex and exhaustive process.It’s not usual practice to go back through criminal history looking for bail. The primary focus of my investigation was on the complainants and victim protection for them ... to find out the minute details of a person’s bail is a fairly complex and exhaustive process.
Updated at 2.49pm AESTUpdated at 2.49pm AEST
2.14pm AEST05:142.14pm AEST05:14
Police told concerns for sex assault victims not enough to refuse Monis bailPolice told concerns for sex assault victims not enough to refuse Monis bail
The inquest resumes with detective senior constable Denise Vavayis saying she and her colleagues decided not to pursue an appeal against Man Haron Monis’ bail because she had been told by a DPP officer they did not have a good chance of having the decision overturned.The inquest resumes with detective senior constable Denise Vavayis saying she and her colleagues decided not to pursue an appeal against Man Haron Monis’ bail because she had been told by a DPP officer they did not have a good chance of having the decision overturned.
Vavayis and her colleagues kept investigating Monis and found another alleged six victims of sexual and indecent assault from Monis.Vavayis and her colleagues kept investigating Monis and found another alleged six victims of sexual and indecent assault from Monis.
She discussed laying further charges against Monis with a DPP solicitor and bail came up.She discussed laying further charges against Monis with a DPP solicitor and bail came up.
I made my position and police position very clear, we were against Mr Monis being on bail and certainly being granted further bail.I made my position and police position very clear, we were against Mr Monis being on bail and certainly being granted further bail.
Our primary focus at that time was the safety of the complainants and the fears the complainants had expressed. We opposed bail on nature and seriousness of the offences and the number of offences.Our primary focus at that time was the safety of the complainants and the fears the complainants had expressed. We opposed bail on nature and seriousness of the offences and the number of offences.
We also opposed on the propensity of Mr Monis to track down and harass members of the public.We also opposed on the propensity of Mr Monis to track down and harass members of the public.
Vavayis says she was aware of Monis’ previous offences of writing abusive letters to the families of dead Australian servicemen.Vavayis says she was aware of Monis’ previous offences of writing abusive letters to the families of dead Australian servicemen.
A further 40 sexual and indecent assault offences would be laid.A further 40 sexual and indecent assault offences would be laid.
Updated at 2.51pm AESTUpdated at 2.51pm AEST
1.00pm AEST04:001.00pm AEST04:00
Another adjournment, this time for an hour. Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis will return for questioning after the lunch break.Another adjournment, this time for an hour. Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis will return for questioning after the lunch break.
12.58pm AEST03:5812.58pm AEST03:58
Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis is being shown emails she sent on 26 May 2014, the date Man Haron Monis was granted bail for three sexual assault offences.Detective senior constable Denise Vavayis is being shown emails she sent on 26 May 2014, the date Man Haron Monis was granted bail for three sexual assault offences.
Vavayis wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions asking if she could appeal the decision to grant Monis bail.Vavayis wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions asking if she could appeal the decision to grant Monis bail.
Vavayis was told Monis was on bail for years and did not breach any of the conditions. Vavayis had written she was concerned about the safety of the victim but was told that was not sufficient to refuse Monis bail.Vavayis was told Monis was on bail for years and did not breach any of the conditions. Vavayis had written she was concerned about the safety of the victim but was told that was not sufficient to refuse Monis bail.
12.52pm AEST03:5212.52pm AEST03:52
Junior counsel assisting the inquest Sophie Callan calls detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad.Junior counsel assisting the inquest Sophie Callan calls detective senior constable Denise Vavayis from the NSW police sex crimes squad.
Vavayis was working in the sex crime squad when it investigated sexual assault allegations against Man Haron Monis. Vavayis was the officer in charge of the investigation from January to April 2014.Vavayis was working in the sex crime squad when it investigated sexual assault allegations against Man Haron Monis. Vavayis was the officer in charge of the investigation from January to April 2014.
The investigation initially focused on one complainant and Vavayis was involved in the arrest of Monis on three counts of sexual and indecent assault in May 2014.The investigation initially focused on one complainant and Vavayis was involved in the arrest of Monis on three counts of sexual and indecent assault in May 2014.
Updated at 1.54pm AESTUpdated at 1.54pm AEST
12.48pm AEST03:4812.48pm AEST03:48
We have returned from the adjournment. Jeremy Gormly is formally tendering the evidence which he says includes so many files he cannot count them.We have returned from the adjournment. Jeremy Gormly is formally tendering the evidence which he says includes so many files he cannot count them.
12.10pm AEST03:1012.10pm AEST03:10
A diagram of the original gun and a photo of the gun used by Monis is being shown to the inquest. We are not able to display the images on the blog at the moment but it shows how drastically the butt and the barrel of the gun was sawn down. Doing this made the gun smaller and easier to carry in a bag without being noticed.A diagram of the original gun and a photo of the gun used by Monis is being shown to the inquest. We are not able to display the images on the blog at the moment but it shows how drastically the butt and the barrel of the gun was sawn down. Doing this made the gun smaller and easier to carry in a bag without being noticed.
The gun was originally quite a long rifle-type weapon. Looking at the diagram it seems the gun was halved in size.The gun was originally quite a long rifle-type weapon. Looking at the diagram it seems the gun was halved in size.
There is now a 20-minute adjournment.There is now a 20-minute adjournment.
Updated at 12.20pm AESTUpdated at 12.20pm AEST
12.08pm AEST03:0812.08pm AEST03:08
Jeremy Gormly SC says the gun used by Man Haron Monis in the siege most likely entered Australia “a long time ago” but not illegally, and was used as a farm gun for most of the time.Jeremy Gormly SC says the gun used by Man Haron Monis in the siege most likely entered Australia “a long time ago” but not illegally, and was used as a farm gun for most of the time.
The way it worked was a cartridge is inserted. It doesn’t have a single bullet but numerous small compound balls, maybe dozens, even hundreds, depending on cartridge.The way it worked was a cartridge is inserted. It doesn’t have a single bullet but numerous small compound balls, maybe dozens, even hundreds, depending on cartridge.
One might think it remarkable this gun was made sometime in last century but a feature of guns is it can be used long after manufacturing.One might think it remarkable this gun was made sometime in last century but a feature of guns is it can be used long after manufacturing.
Monis was carrying a "hodge podge" of 23 assorted old shotgun cartridges. The #sydneysiege was a "poorly prepared exercise", inquest hearsMonis was carrying a "hodge podge" of 23 assorted old shotgun cartridges. The #sydneysiege was a "poorly prepared exercise", inquest hears
Updated at 12.21pm AESTUpdated at 12.21pm AEST
11.57am AEST02:5711.57am AEST02:57
It is not known when Monis acquired the gun but it seems to have been fairly recently. There were search warrants carried out at Monis’s house over the years and no gun was found then.It is not known when Monis acquired the gun but it seems to have been fairly recently. There were search warrants carried out at Monis’s house over the years and no gun was found then.
It is likely the gun was from the “grey market”, not the “black market”. The grey market consists of those who hold guns unregistered but for farm, sport or recreational purposes. The black market consists of illegally imported weapons.It is likely the gun was from the “grey market”, not the “black market”. The grey market consists of those who hold guns unregistered but for farm, sport or recreational purposes. The black market consists of illegally imported weapons.
Grey market prices are generally cheaper than black market and in Australia the grey market is quite large and growing, while the black market is quite small in comparison.Grey market prices are generally cheaper than black market and in Australia the grey market is quite large and growing, while the black market is quite small in comparison.
Updated at 12.06pm AESTUpdated at 12.06pm AEST
11.53am AEST02:5311.53am AEST02:53
Gun used by Monis should have been surrendered in '96 buybackGun used by Monis should have been surrendered in '96 buyback
Moving on to the gun.Moving on to the gun.
Jeremy Gormly says the gun Man Haron Monis used during the siege should have been surrendered in the buyback of 1996 to 1998. The gun was one of those that did not get handed in.Jeremy Gormly says the gun Man Haron Monis used during the siege should have been surrendered in the buyback of 1996 to 1998. The gun was one of those that did not get handed in.
Updated at 12.56pm AESTUpdated at 12.56pm AEST
11.52am AEST02:5211.52am AEST02:52
Callan says a psychologist who examined whether Monis was radicalised found he was a man with an insecure or floating sense of self.Callan says a psychologist who examined whether Monis was radicalised found he was a man with an insecure or floating sense of self.
The psychologist notes his behaviour in the siege was not reflective of any detail of an Isis attack.The psychologist notes his behaviour in the siege was not reflective of any detail of an Isis attack.
A committed extremist doesn’t apologise to hostages or seek to justify actions to victims [as Monis did].A committed extremist doesn’t apologise to hostages or seek to justify actions to victims [as Monis did].
The psychologist concluded the siege was more an act of desperation than radicalisation.The psychologist concluded the siege was more an act of desperation than radicalisation.
For a man like Mr Monis with all his mental health problems, the availability of global jihadist and IS rhetoric provides a powerful outlet.For a man like Mr Monis with all his mental health problems, the availability of global jihadist and IS rhetoric provides a powerful outlet.
Updated at 2.01pm AESTUpdated at 2.01pm AEST
11.51am AEST02:5111.51am AEST02:51
A terror attack? Experts splitA terror attack? Experts split
Michael SafiMichael Safi
There will be evidence from academics and terrorism experts about whether Sydney siege was a terrorist attack. Some argue it was not while others say it was.There will be evidence from academics and terrorism experts about whether Sydney siege was a terrorist attack. Some argue it was not while others say it was.
Rodger Shanahan, from the Lowy Institute, has argued that Monis’ actions were “different from [past] Islamic-inspired terrorist attacks”. Namely because Monis had no communication with anyone in Isis, carried a generic Islamic flag, and wore a headband more associated with Shia Islam than Isis, who consider Shia Muslims to be heretics. He concluded Monis was “not motivated by political, ideological or religious causes, but rather was someone with mental health issues acting on his own personal grudges”.Rodger Shanahan, from the Lowy Institute, has argued that Monis’ actions were “different from [past] Islamic-inspired terrorist attacks”. Namely because Monis had no communication with anyone in Isis, carried a generic Islamic flag, and wore a headband more associated with Shia Islam than Isis, who consider Shia Muslims to be heretics. He concluded Monis was “not motivated by political, ideological or religious causes, but rather was someone with mental health issues acting on his own personal grudges”.
Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert from Georgetown University, disagrees. He thinks the siege was a textbook terrorist attack, based on the strategic location Monis chose (opposite Channel Seven studios), the political motivations he declared and the fact his actions were “designed to have psychological repercussions” beyond the immediate victims.Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert from Georgetown University, disagrees. He thinks the siege was a textbook terrorist attack, based on the strategic location Monis chose (opposite Channel Seven studios), the political motivations he declared and the fact his actions were “designed to have psychological repercussions” beyond the immediate victims.
Updated at 12.00pm AESTUpdated at 12.00pm AEST
11.37am AEST02:3711.37am AEST02:37
Was the Sydney siege a terrorist attack?Was the Sydney siege a terrorist attack?
Callan is now talking about whether the Sydney siege was a terrorist event.Callan is now talking about whether the Sydney siege was a terrorist event.
whether or not Monis a terrorist, "he made use of terrorist methods, garb and language" #sydneysiegewhether or not Monis a terrorist, "he made use of terrorist methods, garb and language" #sydneysiege
Callan sais Monis was doing what Islamic State encouraged and endorsed – random acts of violence – but otherwise Monis had not shown any interest in the political goals of Isis. As far as the inquest can find he has made no attempt to contact Isis.Callan sais Monis was doing what Islamic State encouraged and endorsed – random acts of violence – but otherwise Monis had not shown any interest in the political goals of Isis. As far as the inquest can find he has made no attempt to contact Isis.
If Monis was a terrorist we need to know what type and what he stood for. If he was not a terrorist the way it was responded to at the time might still be appropriate as it had all the marking of terrorism.If Monis was a terrorist we need to know what type and what he stood for. If he was not a terrorist the way it was responded to at the time might still be appropriate as it had all the marking of terrorism.
Updated at 11.40am AESTUpdated at 11.40am AEST
11.33am AEST02:3311.33am AEST02:33
Sophie Callan reveals that News Corp Australia journalist Charles Miranda has helped provide evidence to the inquest about Monis’s life in Iran. Miranda set out to learn more about Monis’s formative years in Iran after the siege. He will not be called to the inquest but met and spoke with several witnesses.Sophie Callan reveals that News Corp Australia journalist Charles Miranda has helped provide evidence to the inquest about Monis’s life in Iran. Miranda set out to learn more about Monis’s formative years in Iran after the siege. He will not be called to the inquest but met and spoke with several witnesses.
One described Monis as a managing director of a travel agency in Iran.One described Monis as a managing director of a travel agency in Iran.
Updated at 12.03pm AESTUpdated at 12.03pm AEST
11.29am AEST02:2911.29am AEST02:29
Junior counsel assisting the inquest, Sophie Callan, says the leaders of Sunni and Shia Muslim communities in Australia have given evidence to the inquest but they will not be called.Junior counsel assisting the inquest, Sophie Callan, says the leaders of Sunni and Shia Muslim communities in Australia have given evidence to the inquest but they will not be called.
The grand mufti from the Sunni community observed that Monis’s actions in requiring hostages to raise the Shahada flag has caused despondency in Muslim community. His actions did not reflect Muslim beliefs.The grand mufti from the Sunni community observed that Monis’s actions in requiring hostages to raise the Shahada flag has caused despondency in Muslim community. His actions did not reflect Muslim beliefs.
Sheikh Kamal Moselmane, from the Shia community, has also spoken to the inquest. He says the first time he saw or heard of Monis was in a newspaper article. Monis had chained himself to the NSW parliament wearing full sheikh dress. After looking at Monis’s website. Moselmane considered his behaviour was erratic and he seemed to have an amateur knowledge of Islam.Sheikh Kamal Moselmane, from the Shia community, has also spoken to the inquest. He says the first time he saw or heard of Monis was in a newspaper article. Monis had chained himself to the NSW parliament wearing full sheikh dress. After looking at Monis’s website. Moselmane considered his behaviour was erratic and he seemed to have an amateur knowledge of Islam.
Updated at 12.03pm AESTUpdated at 12.03pm AEST
11.24am AEST02:2411.24am AEST02:24
Jeremy Gormly says if court knew Man Haron Monis had committed three of his alleged 43 sexual assault offences when on bail, he may not have been granted bail.Jeremy Gormly says if court knew Man Haron Monis had committed three of his alleged 43 sexual assault offences when on bail, he may not have been granted bail.
11.22am AEST02:2211.22am AEST02:22
It may be that what happened here is the price we pay for having eight jurisdictions instead of one.It may be that what happened here is the price we pay for having eight jurisdictions instead of one.
Jeremy Gormly is referring to the fact bail laws vary from state to state and territory to territory in Australia.Jeremy Gormly is referring to the fact bail laws vary from state to state and territory to territory in Australia.
11.18am AEST02:1811.18am AEST02:18
Court not told the sexual offences Monis committed when on bailCourt not told the sexual offences Monis committed when on bail
Monis did not seek bail initially when charged with three sexual assault offences in 2014, but on 22 May a bail application was made.Monis did not seek bail initially when charged with three sexual assault offences in 2014, but on 22 May a bail application was made.
On 26 May the bail was granted if Monis paid a $1,000 surety.On 26 May the bail was granted if Monis paid a $1,000 surety.
The bail expert panel has also found there were low prospects of success if police appealed the decision to grant bail.The bail expert panel has also found there were low prospects of success if police appealed the decision to grant bail.
Monis appeared before court again on 10 October and the bail expert panel has found this hearing could have been handled differently. Police had been investigating if there were further victims of sexual assault by Monis. They charged him with 40 more counts of indecent or sexual assault.Monis appeared before court again on 10 October and the bail expert panel has found this hearing could have been handled differently. Police had been investigating if there were further victims of sexual assault by Monis. They charged him with 40 more counts of indecent or sexual assault.
The question of bail for 40 additional assaults was dealt with in a “relatively short fashion”, Jeremy Gormly SC says. The court and Monis’s solicitor agreed he posed an unacceptable risk but that risk could be mitigated with conditions.The question of bail for 40 additional assaults was dealt with in a “relatively short fashion”, Jeremy Gormly SC says. The court and Monis’s solicitor agreed he posed an unacceptable risk but that risk could be mitigated with conditions.
The court was not told three of the alleged sex assaults were at a time when he was on bail for sending abusive letters to families of Australian servicemen. It was not known to the DPP officer who appeared. Gormly says had it been known it would have been relevant when considering bail.The court was not told three of the alleged sex assaults were at a time when he was on bail for sending abusive letters to families of Australian servicemen. It was not known to the DPP officer who appeared. Gormly says had it been known it would have been relevant when considering bail.
Possible this information was in NSW police force but it was in a different area.Possible this information was in NSW police force but it was in a different area.
Updated at 12.03pm AESTUpdated at 12.03pm AEST
11.10am AEST02:1011.10am AEST02:10
Police sought advice from the DPP about appealing Monis’s bail. DPP advised there was a low chance an appeal would be successful.Police sought advice from the DPP about appealing Monis’s bail. DPP advised there was a low chance an appeal would be successful.
The view of the panel of bail experts who have been reporting to the inquest is that if a review had been pursued the prospects of success of a review were poor.The view of the panel of bail experts who have been reporting to the inquest is that if a review had been pursued the prospects of success of a review were poor.
Updated at 12.03pm AESTUpdated at 12.03pm AEST
11.06am AEST02:0611.06am AEST02:06
Monis was charged with being an accesory to the murder of his wife in November 2013. He was initially denied bail but in December a lengthy application was made by his lawyer. It was opposed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).Monis was charged with being an accesory to the murder of his wife in November 2013. He was initially denied bail but in December a lengthy application was made by his lawyer. It was opposed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Monis was granted bail 12 December 2013, subject to conditions which stipulated he had to pay $10,000 and report every day. His friend paid the $10,000 and that friend will be called to the inquest. He knew Monis in Iran.Monis was granted bail 12 December 2013, subject to conditions which stipulated he had to pay $10,000 and report every day. His friend paid the $10,000 and that friend will be called to the inquest. He knew Monis in Iran.
Updated at 11.31am AESTUpdated at 11.31am AEST
11.04am AEST02:0411.04am AEST02:04
There are three bail applications in Monis’s history.There are three bail applications in Monis’s history.
Sexual assault was Monis first known criminal behaviour but wasn’t discovered by legal authorities until many years after it occurred.Sexual assault was Monis first known criminal behaviour but wasn’t discovered by legal authorities until many years after it occurred.
From 2002 to 2010 Monis allegedly committed 43 sexual assaults in his spiritual healing business. Those sexual assaults were not known in a provable way until 2014.From 2002 to 2010 Monis allegedly committed 43 sexual assaults in his spiritual healing business. Those sexual assaults were not known in a provable way until 2014.
The first of his known offences was sending letters to families of dead Australian servicemen.The first of his known offences was sending letters to families of dead Australian servicemen.
He was bailed and during the years he was on bail he appeared to comply with conditions imposed on him including reporting to police each week, residing at a specified address and surrendering his passport.He was bailed and during the years he was on bail he appeared to comply with conditions imposed on him including reporting to police each week, residing at a specified address and surrendering his passport.
Updated at 12.04pm AESTUpdated at 12.04pm AEST
10.55am AEST01:5510.55am AEST01:55
Counsel assisting the inquest, Jeremy Gormly SC, says it is not appropriate or feasible to deny bail to every person charged with an offence, not event to everyone charged with a particular offence.Counsel assisting the inquest, Jeremy Gormly SC, says it is not appropriate or feasible to deny bail to every person charged with an offence, not event to everyone charged with a particular offence.
Gormly says the coroner’s court is a court of fact not a court of blame.Gormly says the coroner’s court is a court of fact not a court of blame.
He says a court has to decide bail on information put before it so the information put before the court at the time Monis was granted bail has to be examined.He says a court has to decide bail on information put before it so the information put before the court at the time Monis was granted bail has to be examined.
He says there are key questions to be considered:He says there are key questions to be considered:
Updated at 12.04pm AESTUpdated at 12.04pm AEST
10.47am AEST01:4710.47am AEST01:47
Gormly notes that when granting bail, the decision-maker must predict the future. Bail laws have been changed since Monis was granted bail after a comprehensive review. It found the old act, dated back to the 70s, had been amended 80 times which led to confusion.Gormly notes that when granting bail, the decision-maker must predict the future. Bail laws have been changed since Monis was granted bail after a comprehensive review. It found the old act, dated back to the 70s, had been amended 80 times which led to confusion.
The new act, introduced May 2014, had a new test for bail: the unacceptable risk test. The first step is that the bail authority – police or court – assesses risk that an accused would fail to appear, commit another offence or interfere with a witness or evidence.The new act, introduced May 2014, had a new test for bail: the unacceptable risk test. The first step is that the bail authority – police or court – assesses risk that an accused would fail to appear, commit another offence or interfere with a witness or evidence.
If the accused is found to pose an unacceptable risk then it is considered if conditions can be imposed to mitigate the risks.If the accused is found to pose an unacceptable risk then it is considered if conditions can be imposed to mitigate the risks.
I gather bail is an issue everywhere it exists, probably because of the inherent need in a bail system to try and assess the unknown future. There are other options in other nations which do not particularly distinguish between accusing someone of an offence and conducting a trial. A system of bail is found in all advanced countries and reflects the rule of law. It’s inconceivable that will would not be some bail system. Still, it does and probably always will cause controversy. Renewed debate is usually triggered by the commission of a violent offence by a person granted bail. Notwithstanding theinherent problems of bail, it’simportant that from time totime the system of bail as itoperates in individual casessuch as this one is reviewed perhaps with a view to improvements.I gather bail is an issue everywhere it exists, probably because of the inherent need in a bail system to try and assess the unknown future. There are other options in other nations which do not particularly distinguish between accusing someone of an offence and conducting a trial. A system of bail is found in all advanced countries and reflects the rule of law. It’s inconceivable that will would not be some bail system. Still, it does and probably always will cause controversy. Renewed debate is usually triggered by the commission of a violent offence by a person granted bail. Notwithstanding theinherent problems of bail, it’simportant that from time totime the system of bail as itoperates in individual casessuch as this one is reviewed perhaps with a view to improvements.
Updated at 11.44am AESTUpdated at 11.44am AEST
10.40am AEST01:4010.40am AEST01:40
When the siege occurred Mr Monis was on bail, obviously his actions at every step of the seem were contrary to his bail obligations. If he were not on bail he can’t have been able to carry out the siege, it’s the way it may seem. But seeking out the detail of what happened with bail, and it’s proven a difficult task, shows that however straightforward it may seem it simply isn’t. The bail story of Mr Monis is long and complex, and the narrative has to be followed in some detail to see what happened.When the siege occurred Mr Monis was on bail, obviously his actions at every step of the seem were contrary to his bail obligations. If he were not on bail he can’t have been able to carry out the siege, it’s the way it may seem. But seeking out the detail of what happened with bail, and it’s proven a difficult task, shows that however straightforward it may seem it simply isn’t. The bail story of Mr Monis is long and complex, and the narrative has to be followed in some detail to see what happened.
Jeremy Gormly SC, counsel assisting the inquestJeremy Gormly SC, counsel assisting the inquest
Updated at 11.46am AESTUpdated at 11.46am AEST
10.37am AEST01:3710.37am AEST01:37
Jeremy Gormly SC says this segment will deal with five topics:Jeremy Gormly SC says this segment will deal with five topics:
Updated at 12.04pm AESTUpdated at 12.04pm AEST
10.32am AEST01:3210.32am AEST01:32
Jeremy Gormly SC is now delivering his open address.Jeremy Gormly SC is now delivering his open address.
He says the last segment, likely to be undertaken next year and where hostages will give evidence, could run between six and eight weeks.He says the last segment, likely to be undertaken next year and where hostages will give evidence, could run between six and eight weeks.
He says Asio officers will give evidence during the closed segment later this year.He says Asio officers will give evidence during the closed segment later this year.
Updated at 11.50am AESTUpdated at 11.50am AEST
10.30am AEST01:3010.30am AEST01:30
A criminologist will give evidence later in the week about how changes to bail laws may affect other aspects of the criminal justice system.A criminologist will give evidence later in the week about how changes to bail laws may affect other aspects of the criminal justice system.
It’s important to acknowledge this [inquiry into Monis being given bail] is being taken with benefit of hindsight, none of those involved could have been able to foresee events so terrible as the Lindt cafe siege.It’s important to acknowledge this [inquiry into Monis being given bail] is being taken with benefit of hindsight, none of those involved could have been able to foresee events so terrible as the Lindt cafe siege.
10.27am AEST01:2710.27am AEST01:27
Last month investigators spent time in Canberra examining documents on Man Haron Monis held by intelligence agencies.Last month investigators spent time in Canberra examining documents on Man Haron Monis held by intelligence agencies.
Because of national security issues the next segment of the inquest will be held in a closed court.Because of national security issues the next segment of the inquest will be held in a closed court.
10.26am AEST01:2610.26am AEST01:26
NSW coroner Michael Barnes opens the resumption of the inquest saying a “mountain” of evidence has been gathered to examine if the deaths of Katrina Dawson, Tori Johnson and Man Haron Monis could have been avoided.NSW coroner Michael Barnes opens the resumption of the inquest saying a “mountain” of evidence has been gathered to examine if the deaths of Katrina Dawson, Tori Johnson and Man Haron Monis could have been avoided.
This will be the last public segment before the last segment next year Barnes says, the decision was made to make the next segments private after taking in thought and feelings of Johnson and Dawson’s families as well as the other hostages.This will be the last public segment before the last segment next year Barnes says, the decision was made to make the next segments private after taking in thought and feelings of Johnson and Dawson’s families as well as the other hostages.
1,000 hours of CCTV and 200 hours of television broadcast have been viewed as part of this investigation.1,000 hours of CCTV and 200 hours of television broadcast have been viewed as part of this investigation.
Investigators have obtained panes of glasses that match the glass in the Lindt cafe as well as furniture that matches the chairs and tables in the cafe to undertake ballistic tests.Investigators have obtained panes of glasses that match the glass in the Lindt cafe as well as furniture that matches the chairs and tables in the cafe to undertake ballistic tests.
5,000 hours of man work have gone into the investigation so far Barnes says.5,000 hours of man work have gone into the investigation so far Barnes says.
9.59am AEST00:599.59am AEST00:59
This morning we will hear the opening address from Jeremy Gormly SC, who is the counsel assisting the inquest. He will lay out the evidence we will hear over the next two weeks.This morning we will hear the opening address from Jeremy Gormly SC, who is the counsel assisting the inquest. He will lay out the evidence we will hear over the next two weeks.
After his address four police officers will give evidence. They are:After his address four police officers will give evidence. They are:
The start of the inquest has been slightly delayed and will begin at 10.15am.The start of the inquest has been slightly delayed and will begin at 10.15am.
Updated at 10.20am AESTUpdated at 10.20am AEST
9.31am AEST00:319.31am AEST00:31
Good morning, today you join us as the Sydney siege inquest resumes. In May and June the inquest heard about who Man Haron Monis was from people who had contact with him in the last few years of his life.Good morning, today you join us as the Sydney siege inquest resumes. In May and June the inquest heard about who Man Haron Monis was from people who had contact with him in the last few years of his life.
This portion of the inquest will focus on why Monis was granted bail when he was charged with being an accessory to murder and 43 counts of sexual assault.This portion of the inquest will focus on why Monis was granted bail when he was charged with being an accessory to murder and 43 counts of sexual assault.
There’s been a battle in the past few weeks as the director of public prosecutions tried to keep documents relating to Monis’s bail secret. The New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes has granted the application, but some documents have been released, including one that shows when police asked for the decision to bail Monis to be approved, DPP staff said they were about to go on Christmas holidays.There’s been a battle in the past few weeks as the director of public prosecutions tried to keep documents relating to Monis’s bail secret. The New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes has granted the application, but some documents have been released, including one that shows when police asked for the decision to bail Monis to be approved, DPP staff said they were about to go on Christmas holidays.
Here are all the vital questions the inquest will set out to answer and here is what we have heard from the hostages already.Here are all the vital questions the inquest will set out to answer and here is what we have heard from the hostages already.
Updated at 10.20am AESTUpdated at 10.20am AEST