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Version 9 Version 10
Sydney siege inquest: police concede Monis bail application 'very good' – rolling report Sydney siege inquest: Asio went to every Monis hearing without cop knowledge – rolling report
(35 minutes later)
3.53pm AEST06:53
Australia’s spy agency Asio was at every one of Man Haron Monis’ court appearances.
Curiouser and curiouser. Staples, a homicide cop, has just revealed this information and to this day she still does not know why Asio agents were at the hearings.
Hard to say if this is another example of the stellar communication between our various law enforcement authorities or if Asio had its reasons for keeping a low profile.
Staples says:
I wasn’t aware [Asio agents were there] at the time, not until later email correspondence did I realise they had been present at court .
Staples said she still to this day does not know why Asio agents went to Monis’ court appearances.
She did find out before the siege the Asio agents were there though. So why did they tell her?
The lady in question [at Asio] was about to go on maternity leave and I think she was seeking an update from me on how I was progressing on arranging a meeting with the DPP, and she was doing that so she could do a handover of sort I assumed.
It was almost as an aside that Staples was even told in the first place.
Updated at 4.02pm AEST
3.41pm AEST06:41
Cop knew Monis on bail when offended, court not told
This is what those in cop shows would call a significant development. After days of tail chasing and shadow boxing at the inquest we have a police officer who knew Man Haron Monis was on bail when he committed, not one, but two of his separate offences.
It turns out not only was Monis on bail (for writing abusive letters to families of dead Australian servicemen) when he committed three of the sexual offences, he was also on bail when the murder his accessory charge relates to was committed.
We have already established the court was never told he was on bail for the Commonwealth offences when the sex offences were committed. Monis’ would have likely gone to prison rather than be granted bail if these facts had been presented to the court, but the sex crimes squad and DPP have both said they were not aware of the facts.
Enter detective senior constable Melanie Staples from the homicide squad. She knew. She figured out that Monis was on bail when the murder was committed in April 2013 and she knew when he was charged with the sex offences what time period his bail was.
Do you know whether colleagues at the sex crime squad had figured it out?
I can’t answer that question.
Did [the DPP solicitor] know that?
I can’t speak to that either.
You thought this was a significant factor against granting Monis bail?
I thought it was a relevant factor that should be before the court.
A document was prepared for court with this information, but we are yet to ascertain exactly what happened to that document. Staples assures the coroner’s court she understood the significance of the information at the time.
Just to clarify, the lawyer asks:
There’s no problem about interstate databases of holdings regarding bail conditions, no problem for you, the fact there wasn’t any interstate bail. It was competely irrleevant. You found out easily this man was on bail when you arrested him?
I knew that in April 2013 that he was on bail.
So by October 2014, when Monis was about to be charged with 37 more sex offences, when Monis would face court for the last time before the siege, when the DPP did not oppose bail, Staples had known for 18 months that the murder had occurred while Monis was on bail?
Yes.
So when the sex crimes squad, instead of arresting Monis decided to issue him with a court notice, and the DPP decided not to put an application to court to revoke Monis’ bail, was Staples expecting that?
I don’t know how to answer that. From the police position we always wish for bail to be opposed when offences are serious, that goes without saying.
3.20pm AEST06:203.20pm AEST06:20
Police letter requesting Monis bail revocation not sentPolice letter requesting Monis bail revocation not sent
Another communication blunder in the bail case of Man Haron Monis is coming to light. A letter was drafted by homicide police to the DPP when Monis was arrested on the sex charges, requesting that his bail on the charge of accessory to murder be revoked. For some reason, the letter was never sent.Another communication blunder in the bail case of Man Haron Monis is coming to light. A letter was drafted by homicide police to the DPP when Monis was arrested on the sex charges, requesting that his bail on the charge of accessory to murder be revoked. For some reason, the letter was never sent.
Detective senior constable Melanie Staples says she was under the impression it had been sent and assumed the DPP had decided not to revoke his bail.Detective senior constable Melanie Staples says she was under the impression it had been sent and assumed the DPP had decided not to revoke his bail.
My understanding was the letter had been sent and my assumption was consideration had been given on reviewing the bail decision, and a decision had been made not to take it any further.My understanding was the letter had been sent and my assumption was consideration had been given on reviewing the bail decision, and a decision had been made not to take it any further.
Staples has been walked through this step by step.Staples has been walked through this step by step.
She is asked: did it ever occur to you that you had this situation where Monis was in jail, but had bail on your case?She is asked: did it ever occur to you that you had this situation where Monis was in jail, but had bail on your case?
Yes, did occur to meYes, did occur to me
Did it occur to you this is a good time to go back to local court and say this man is in prison now, review his bail?Did it occur to you this is a good time to go back to local court and say this man is in prison now, review his bail?
From my point of view I was of the belief that a letter that had been drafted internally inside homicide squad, and had been sent to the director of public prosecutions.From my point of view I was of the belief that a letter that had been drafted internally inside homicide squad, and had been sent to the director of public prosecutions.
You thought that had been sent?You thought that had been sent?
Yes.Yes.
You now that it wasn’t?You now that it wasn’t?
I know now. I was of the understanding the letter had been sent.I know now. I was of the understanding the letter had been sent.
So there was a grand opportunity for police and director of public prosecutions to revisit homicide bail situation, and it was missed?So there was a grand opportunity for police and director of public prosecutions to revisit homicide bail situation, and it was missed?
Yes, it may have been.Yes, it may have been.
2.54pm AEST05:542.54pm AEST05:54
Detective senior constable Melanie Staples is back for questioning. There are some nitty gritty questions about which documents she saw the DPP solicitor with at Monis bailing hearing.Detective senior constable Melanie Staples is back for questioning. There are some nitty gritty questions about which documents she saw the DPP solicitor with at Monis bailing hearing.
2.45pm AEST05:452.45pm AEST05:45
A brief summary of the argy bargy we’ve just witnessed in the inquest from Nicola Berkovic, a reporter for the Australian.A brief summary of the argy bargy we’ve just witnessed in the inquest from Nicola Berkovic, a reporter for the Australian.
No decision from the coroner on the matter yet.No decision from the coroner on the matter yet.
Families of those killed in siege asking to see all the info police asked DPP tell the ct in reln to Monis bail that DPP failed to tell itFamilies of those killed in siege asking to see all the info police asked DPP tell the ct in reln to Monis bail that DPP failed to tell it
NSW DPP doesn't even want families of siege victims to see a list of communications between police and DPPNSW DPP doesn't even want families of siege victims to see a list of communications between police and DPP
2.25pm AEST05:252.25pm AEST05:25
There are lots of non-publication orders around on this inquest (understandably) so I have to be careful about what I say about the current proceedings. But I will break it down as much as I can.There are lots of non-publication orders around on this inquest (understandably) so I have to be careful about what I say about the current proceedings. But I will break it down as much as I can.
Essentially, the barrister for the NSW director of public prosecutions is arguing for a document written by police to be put under DPP privilege and suppressed.Essentially, the barrister for the NSW director of public prosecutions is arguing for a document written by police to be put under DPP privilege and suppressed.
The document lays out the police case against Monis being granted bail after being charged with being an accessory to murder.The document lays out the police case against Monis being granted bail after being charged with being an accessory to murder.
Updated at 3.06pm AESTUpdated at 3.06pm AEST
2.16pm AEST05:162.16pm AEST05:16
We return with some housekeeping. There’s some brouhaha about the length of time it’s taking to question witnesses and concerns the inquest will not get to the expert bail panel when they’re scheduled, which is worrying because their schedules are not too flexible.We return with some housekeeping. There’s some brouhaha about the length of time it’s taking to question witnesses and concerns the inquest will not get to the expert bail panel when they’re scheduled, which is worrying because their schedules are not too flexible.
Soon we will be back with detective senior constable Melanie Staples giving evidence.Soon we will be back with detective senior constable Melanie Staples giving evidence.
Updated at 3.06pm AESTUpdated at 3.06pm AEST
1.03pm AEST04:031.03pm AEST04:03
SummarySummary
The inquest has risen for lunch. We have had a very tough and forensic morning, with a homicide officer following a sex crimes squad officer into the court to give evidence. It’s been rather technical, but this evidence will be crucial to the question of how Monis was on bail and whether he should have been. Detective senior constable Melanie Staples is being asked about her knowledge of Monis’s previous offences. This questioning looks to be leading to whether she knew the dates of Monis’s bail on Commonwealth offences, which, if she did, she could have passed to the sex crimes squad.The inquest has risen for lunch. We have had a very tough and forensic morning, with a homicide officer following a sex crimes squad officer into the court to give evidence. It’s been rather technical, but this evidence will be crucial to the question of how Monis was on bail and whether he should have been. Detective senior constable Melanie Staples is being asked about her knowledge of Monis’s previous offences. This questioning looks to be leading to whether she knew the dates of Monis’s bail on Commonwealth offences, which, if she did, she could have passed to the sex crimes squad.
So far today, the coroner’s court has been told:So far today, the coroner’s court has been told:
Updated at 3.05pm AESTUpdated at 3.05pm AEST
12.40pm AEST03:4012.40pm AEST03:40
Police concede Monis bail application "very good"Police concede Monis bail application "very good"
There is some tense toing and froing between Gormly and Staples. Staples has already said she was “very upset” that Monis was granted bail on the charge of accessory to murder and she complained to her superior using email.There is some tense toing and froing between Gormly and Staples. Staples has already said she was “very upset” that Monis was granted bail on the charge of accessory to murder and she complained to her superior using email.
Gormly reads from the email “the DPP did not address that the alibi had been discredited”. He really homes in on this line.Gormly reads from the email “the DPP did not address that the alibi had been discredited”. He really homes in on this line.
Does Staples accept that is not an accurate statement? She concedes, “I accept it is not a fair statement”.Does Staples accept that is not an accurate statement? She concedes, “I accept it is not a fair statement”.
“I am not asking about fairness, I am asking about accuracy” Gormly retorts.“I am not asking about fairness, I am asking about accuracy” Gormly retorts.
Staples:Staples:
I accept it should have been worded better.I accept it should have been worded better.
Staples said she was accurate and fairer in her conversations about bail.Staples said she was accurate and fairer in her conversations about bail.
Staples concedes Monis’s bail submissions were actually “very good”.Staples concedes Monis’s bail submissions were actually “very good”.
So it wouldn’t be fair to describe his submissions as terrible?So it wouldn’t be fair to describe his submissions as terrible?
No, not on those terms.No, not on those terms.
Gormly is now getting quite blunt:Gormly is now getting quite blunt:
You’re entitled to your own opinion, but you’re not entitled to pass incorrect information up the line, are you?You’re entitled to your own opinion, but you’re not entitled to pass incorrect information up the line, are you?
Gormly is saying it is OK for Staples to be of the opinion that Monis should not have been granted bail, but telling her superiors that police evidence about the alibi for the murder was not taken into account by the court was incorrect.Gormly is saying it is OK for Staples to be of the opinion that Monis should not have been granted bail, but telling her superiors that police evidence about the alibi for the murder was not taken into account by the court was incorrect.
After a pause, Staples says:After a pause, Staples says:
I believe the information I conveyed orally certainly is a far better representation than that one sentence [from the email].I believe the information I conveyed orally certainly is a far better representation than that one sentence [from the email].
Updated at 3.02pm AESTUpdated at 3.02pm AEST
12.14pm AEST03:1412.14pm AEST03:14
We are back with counsel assisting the inquest Jeremy Gormly SC questioning Detective senior constable Melanie Staples from the homicide squad.We are back with counsel assisting the inquest Jeremy Gormly SC questioning Detective senior constable Melanie Staples from the homicide squad.
Staples is talking about her unhappiness at Monis being granted bail in 2013 when he was charged with being an accessory to murder.Staples is talking about her unhappiness at Monis being granted bail in 2013 when he was charged with being an accessory to murder.
She is being a very literal witness, not expanding on a single thing she doesn’t have to.She is being a very literal witness, not expanding on a single thing she doesn’t have to.
Staples is asked what the DPP solicitor’s reaction to her unhappiness at Monis being granted bail was:Staples is asked what the DPP solicitor’s reaction to her unhappiness at Monis being granted bail was:
I would have to look at my notes to refresh my memory as to which conversation occurred at which time.I would have to look at my notes to refresh my memory as to which conversation occurred at which time.
Gormly chooses to move on. Going over her statement to the inquest Gormly notes Staples criticised both the magistrate and the DPP for allowing Monis to go on bail.Gormly chooses to move on. Going over her statement to the inquest Gormly notes Staples criticised both the magistrate and the DPP for allowing Monis to go on bail.
[I thought the court] failed to address all aspects of the alibi issued to the court [in relation to the murder], much of the material prepared by police for the hearing was not referred to during the course of the day.[I thought the court] failed to address all aspects of the alibi issued to the court [in relation to the murder], much of the material prepared by police for the hearing was not referred to during the course of the day.
I was referring to a document I prepared outlining how much of the alibi offered had been discredited.I was referring to a document I prepared outlining how much of the alibi offered had been discredited.
Staples says she was “very disappointed, very upset” when Monis got bail.Staples says she was “very disappointed, very upset” when Monis got bail.
Updated at 12.27pm AESTUpdated at 12.27pm AEST
11.46am AEST02:4611.46am AEST02:46
We have a brief adjournment until midday. After which we will be getting into the nitty gritty of the homicide’s bid for Man Haron Monis’ bail, now that we have heard from the sex crimes squad. The homicide squad also notified counter-terrorism authorities about Monis after a protest at Lakemba so it will be interesting to hear how much coordination between the two units there was. They were both strongly opposed to Monis being out on bail for his separate charges.We have a brief adjournment until midday. After which we will be getting into the nitty gritty of the homicide’s bid for Man Haron Monis’ bail, now that we have heard from the sex crimes squad. The homicide squad also notified counter-terrorism authorities about Monis after a protest at Lakemba so it will be interesting to hear how much coordination between the two units there was. They were both strongly opposed to Monis being out on bail for his separate charges.
11.38am AEST02:3811.38am AEST02:38
Detective senior constable Melanie Staples from the homicide squad is now on the proverbial stand. She investigated Man Haron Monis on his charge of being an accessory to murder.Detective senior constable Melanie Staples from the homicide squad is now on the proverbial stand. She investigated Man Haron Monis on his charge of being an accessory to murder.
During the course of her investigation she came across evidence which she passed along to the sex crimes squad which resulted in Monis’ sexual assault charges.During the course of her investigation she came across evidence which she passed along to the sex crimes squad which resulted in Monis’ sexual assault charges.
We’re spending a little time here going through the detail and procedures of referral and the contact sex crimes squad and homicide have with each other. They are on different floors of same building and Staples says you only have contact with each other if you have previously worked together.We’re spending a little time here going through the detail and procedures of referral and the contact sex crimes squad and homicide have with each other. They are on different floors of same building and Staples says you only have contact with each other if you have previously worked together.
11.18am AEST02:1811.18am AEST02:18
Detective Eugene Stek keeps pointing to the change in bail laws as the reason the police were strong armed into letting Monis walk free on bail.Detective Eugene Stek keeps pointing to the change in bail laws as the reason the police were strong armed into letting Monis walk free on bail.
Asked why he “gave up” in opposing Monis bail, Stek says:Asked why he “gave up” in opposing Monis bail, Stek says:
Because of the law of the time, I agreed [DPP solicitor] was correct in saying opposing bail was futile.Because of the law of the time, I agreed [DPP solicitor] was correct in saying opposing bail was futile.
Could police have done more to oppose bail?Could police have done more to oppose bail?
In hindsight there’s always ways in which to improve and certainly coordinate and put a stronger proposition forward.In hindsight there’s always ways in which to improve and certainly coordinate and put a stronger proposition forward.
So what would Stek have done differently?So what would Stek have done differently?
The confounding factor at the time was Bail Act 2013.The confounding factor at the time was Bail Act 2013.
Detective Eugene Stek says the DPP solicitor could have called him into the witness box to give evidence about his opinion on Monis at the Lakemba protest.Detective Eugene Stek says the DPP solicitor could have called him into the witness box to give evidence about his opinion on Monis at the Lakemba protest.
New South Wales’ bail laws underwent a comprehensive overhaul which was introduced in 2013 and came into effect in 2014. The reform came after a review because the bail act had not been properly updated since the 1970s, instead undergoing a series of amendments which made it confusing.New South Wales’ bail laws underwent a comprehensive overhaul which was introduced in 2013 and came into effect in 2014. The reform came after a review because the bail act had not been properly updated since the 1970s, instead undergoing a series of amendments which made it confusing.
Police have argued the new bail laws made it easier for accused to get bail and Monis’ lawyers put off applying for bail on the sex offences until the laws came into effect.Police have argued the new bail laws made it easier for accused to get bail and Monis’ lawyers put off applying for bail on the sex offences until the laws came into effect.
Stek is excused.Stek is excused.
Updated at 12.51pm AESTUpdated at 12.51pm AEST
10.54am AEST01:5410.54am AEST01:54
Detective Eugene Stek from the sex crime squad has just faced 30 minutes of cross examination from Ian Freckleton QC who is acting for the NSW police.Detective Eugene Stek from the sex crime squad has just faced 30 minutes of cross examination from Ian Freckleton QC who is acting for the NSW police.
He spent quite a time on whether Stek really opposed bail to Monis which Stek is of course adamant about. Police did not officially oppose bail in October when the 37 further sexual offences were brought against Monis after being told by the DPP it was futile.He spent quite a time on whether Stek really opposed bail to Monis which Stek is of course adamant about. Police did not officially oppose bail in October when the 37 further sexual offences were brought against Monis after being told by the DPP it was futile.
Question: if you had genuinely held the views police had expressed, then you would’ve taken a different approach to the question of whether Monis should be arrested, wouldn’t you? (Monis was charged in court after being issued with a notice to appear, rather than arrested).Question: if you had genuinely held the views police had expressed, then you would’ve taken a different approach to the question of whether Monis should be arrested, wouldn’t you? (Monis was charged in court after being issued with a notice to appear, rather than arrested).
Stek:Stek:
I think I’ve already covered the fact of why he wasn’t arrested and we certainly wouldn’t write our opposition to him having bail if we didn’t believe it.I think I’ve already covered the fact of why he wasn’t arrested and we certainly wouldn’t write our opposition to him having bail if we didn’t believe it.
Stek saw footage of Monis protesting in Lakemba and brought it to the attention of the DPP solicitor, verbally, as part of his pitch to have Monis put behind bars.Stek saw footage of Monis protesting in Lakemba and brought it to the attention of the DPP solicitor, verbally, as part of his pitch to have Monis put behind bars.
The sex crimes squad also prepared a report for counter-terrorism authorities.The sex crimes squad also prepared a report for counter-terrorism authorities.
Stek is asked: What was it about the knowledge you had about Mr Monis being seen participating in a political situation that you thought was relevant?Stek is asked: What was it about the knowledge you had about Mr Monis being seen participating in a political situation that you thought was relevant?
I thought it might push him [the solicitor] to agree with our position and oppose bail.I thought it might push him [the solicitor] to agree with our position and oppose bail.
Is it possible you were just mentioning it to [the solicitor] as something to talk about during opportunity you had to talk to him in the corridor?Is it possible you were just mentioning it to [the solicitor] as something to talk about during opportunity you had to talk to him in the corridor?
It was another factor in opposition to bail you introduce as a variable, on the run, as you do.It was another factor in opposition to bail you introduce as a variable, on the run, as you do.
I thought it was better to introduce that than to withhold it, so he can make that determination.I thought it was better to introduce that than to withhold it, so he can make that determination.
But was Monis actually doing something unlawful in the protesting? Stek argues yes, in his opinion he was by “agitating an angry mob” but Freckleton points out there were police at the protest and they did not arrest Monis for inciting riot.But was Monis actually doing something unlawful in the protesting? Stek argues yes, in his opinion he was by “agitating an angry mob” but Freckleton points out there were police at the protest and they did not arrest Monis for inciting riot.
Stek responds:Stek responds:
In my opinion he wasn’t trying to deescalate the mob around himIn my opinion he wasn’t trying to deescalate the mob around him
I would’ve been saying [to the DPP] ‘what about this? what about the fact he was doing A, B, C, D in the streets of Lakemba?I would’ve been saying [to the DPP] ‘what about this? what about the fact he was doing A, B, C, D in the streets of Lakemba?
Updated at 11.10am AESTUpdated at 11.10am AEST
10.09am AEST01:0910.09am AEST01:09
Police reported Monis to counter terrorism authoritiesPolice reported Monis to counter terrorism authorities
Man Haron Monis was the subject of two different investigations - by the homicide squad and the sex crimes squad - and both submitted reports to intelligence agencies.Man Haron Monis was the subject of two different investigations - by the homicide squad and the sex crimes squad - and both submitted reports to intelligence agencies.
The intelligence reports were submitted to Australia’s biggest counter terrorism operation after Monis was recognised in footage from community protests in response to the terror raids in the Sydney suburb of Lakemba, the Australian reports here.The intelligence reports were submitted to Australia’s biggest counter terrorism operation after Monis was recognised in footage from community protests in response to the terror raids in the Sydney suburb of Lakemba, the Australian reports here.
The reports were submitted in September, so Monis was brought to the attention of counter terrorism authorities about three months before he took 18 people hostage in the Lindt cafe.The reports were submitted in September, so Monis was brought to the attention of counter terrorism authorities about three months before he took 18 people hostage in the Lindt cafe.
Detective Eugene Stek, from the sex crimes squad, is speaking on the co-ordination between homicide and the sex crimes squad. While sex crimes advised homicide that Monis was at first refused bail in April when he was arrested, there was no single officer co-ordinating the two units’ responses to his bail applications.Detective Eugene Stek, from the sex crimes squad, is speaking on the co-ordination between homicide and the sex crimes squad. While sex crimes advised homicide that Monis was at first refused bail in April when he was arrested, there was no single officer co-ordinating the two units’ responses to his bail applications.
Stek was told it would be “an exercise in futility” by a DPP solicitor to oppose Monis’ bail application in October when a further 37 sexual and indecent assault charges were brought.Stek was told it would be “an exercise in futility” by a DPP solicitor to oppose Monis’ bail application in October when a further 37 sexual and indecent assault charges were brought.
We are back to the major sticking point – Monis committed three of the alleged sexual offences while on bail for sending abusive letters to the families of dead Australian servicemen, a fact that could have affected his bail but was not brought before the court.We are back to the major sticking point – Monis committed three of the alleged sexual offences while on bail for sending abusive letters to the families of dead Australian servicemen, a fact that could have affected his bail but was not brought before the court.
Police and DPP solicitors have both been trying to sidestep the blame.Police and DPP solicitors have both been trying to sidestep the blame.
So back to the questioning of Stek:So back to the questioning of Stek:
You accept that [Monis committing offences while on bail] was missed at the time?You accept that [Monis committing offences while on bail] was missed at the time?
As the information wasn’t readily available, yes I do.As the information wasn’t readily available, yes I do.
You had the information of when the sexual offences occurred?You had the information of when the sexual offences occurred?
Yes.Yes.
You agree you had the dates Monis was on bail [for the Commonwealth offences]?You agree you had the dates Monis was on bail [for the Commonwealth offences]?
Yes.Yes.
You agree you had the material, you just didn’t put it all together?You agree you had the material, you just didn’t put it all together?
Yes.Yes.
Stek emphasises police were always opposed to Monis’ bail.Stek emphasises police were always opposed to Monis’ bail.
Updated at 11.15am AESTUpdated at 11.15am AEST
9.49am AEST00:499.49am AEST00:49
We resume with detective Eugene Stek from the sex crimes squad continuing his evidence.We resume with detective Eugene Stek from the sex crimes squad continuing his evidence.
When Man Haron Monis was charged with sexual and indecent assault charges in April and then a further 37 in October, was Stek aware he was on bail for accessory to murder?When Man Haron Monis was charged with sexual and indecent assault charges in April and then a further 37 in October, was Stek aware he was on bail for accessory to murder?
I knew there was issues in respect to the bail. I expected homicide issue to be revisisted.I knew there was issues in respect to the bail. I expected homicide issue to be revisisted.
How much did he know about homicide bail issues?How much did he know about homicide bail issues?
I had a general understanding they were unhappy with the fact he was on bail.I had a general understanding they were unhappy with the fact he was on bail.
We heard earlier in the week that the homicide squad had tried to have Monis’ bail revoked when he was charged with the sexual offences, but the application was not succcessful.We heard earlier in the week that the homicide squad had tried to have Monis’ bail revoked when he was charged with the sexual offences, but the application was not succcessful.
Stek says he was not contacted by national security agents about Monis during the bail applications but an intelligence report was submitted to NSW police and Asio.Stek says he was not contacted by national security agents about Monis during the bail applications but an intelligence report was submitted to NSW police and Asio.
Updated at 10.13am AESTUpdated at 10.13am AEST
9.34am AEST00:349.34am AEST00:34
Welcome.Welcome.
It’s an overcast morning in Sydney and the clouds seem to be rolling over the coroner’s court as well (excuse the laboured metaphor) as the police and the department of public prosecutions try to sidestep blame over why Man Haron Monis was on bail when he took 18 people hostage in the Lindt cafe in Sydney last December.It’s an overcast morning in Sydney and the clouds seem to be rolling over the coroner’s court as well (excuse the laboured metaphor) as the police and the department of public prosecutions try to sidestep blame over why Man Haron Monis was on bail when he took 18 people hostage in the Lindt cafe in Sydney last December.
Police opposed bail from the get go for Monis’ who was on charges of accessory to murder and 43 counts of sexual and indecent assault. There’s no real question around the legality of Monis’ bail but it has been revealed this week Monis was on bail for Commonwealth offences when he allegedly committed three of the offences but it was not revealed in court at any time. This could have constituted a breach of his previous bail conditions and put him behind bars.Police opposed bail from the get go for Monis’ who was on charges of accessory to murder and 43 counts of sexual and indecent assault. There’s no real question around the legality of Monis’ bail but it has been revealed this week Monis was on bail for Commonwealth offences when he allegedly committed three of the offences but it was not revealed in court at any time. This could have constituted a breach of his previous bail conditions and put him behind bars.
The DPP and the police both say it was not revealed because they were not aware of it. So should they have been? And if so, whose responsibility was it?The DPP and the police both say it was not revealed because they were not aware of it. So should they have been? And if so, whose responsibility was it?
The DPP and police have been not-so-subtly trying to shift the blame onto each other over the past two days.The DPP and police have been not-so-subtly trying to shift the blame onto each other over the past two days.
For our 10 minute podcast which analyses the days events go here or subscribe in iTunes by searching “ Sydney siege” (I was home in bed miserable yesterday so my colleague Helen Davidson stepped in with Michael Safi)For our 10 minute podcast which analyses the days events go here or subscribe in iTunes by searching “ Sydney siege” (I was home in bed miserable yesterday so my colleague Helen Davidson stepped in with Michael Safi)
For the report from yesterday, “Monis avoided jail after confusion over sex charges” click here and for the days events as they happened click here.For the report from yesterday, “Monis avoided jail after confusion over sex charges” click here and for the days events as they happened click here.