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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/12/bourke-street-killer-apologises-but-says-he-had-permission-to-run-people-over
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Bourke Street killer apologises but says he 'had permission to run people over' | Bourke Street killer apologises but says he 'had permission to run people over' |
(21 days later) | |
James Gargasoulas has apologised for killing six people during a car rampage through Melbourne’s Bourke Street last year, but said he “had permission to run people over” after a premonition. | James Gargasoulas has apologised for killing six people during a car rampage through Melbourne’s Bourke Street last year, but said he “had permission to run people over” after a premonition. |
In a confusing and rambling appearance in the witness box, the 28-year-old told the supreme court on Monday he had permission to hit people, but no permission to kill anyone. | In a confusing and rambling appearance in the witness box, the 28-year-old told the supreme court on Monday he had permission to hit people, but no permission to kill anyone. |
“I apologise from my heart but that’s not going to fix anything ... neither will a lengthy sentence fix what I done,” he told his murder trial. | “I apologise from my heart but that’s not going to fix anything ... neither will a lengthy sentence fix what I done,” he told his murder trial. |
James Gargasoulas pleads not guilty over car attack that killed six in Melbourne | |
He has pleaded not guilty to six charges of murder and 27 of reckless conduct endangering life but admits his conduct caused his victims’ deaths and injuries. | He has pleaded not guilty to six charges of murder and 27 of reckless conduct endangering life but admits his conduct caused his victims’ deaths and injuries. |
His appearance in the witness stand lasted no more than 15 minutes. | His appearance in the witness stand lasted no more than 15 minutes. |
He answered a few questions from his lawyer, Theo Alexander, before reading a two-page handwritten statement, condensed from an initial 25 pages. | He answered a few questions from his lawyer, Theo Alexander, before reading a two-page handwritten statement, condensed from an initial 25 pages. |
He told the court he still had not gathered his thoughts to understand why he did it, but that he had had a premonition before driving down Bourke Street. | He told the court he still had not gathered his thoughts to understand why he did it, but that he had had a premonition before driving down Bourke Street. |
Gargasoulas said he had not intended killing anyone – “most likely to hit someone, not kill them” – in order to get the police away from him. | Gargasoulas said he had not intended killing anyone – “most likely to hit someone, not kill them” – in order to get the police away from him. |
He revealed he believed in the Illuminati, that a comet relating to judgment day was coming to smite the earth and that it was his role to fight oppression. | He revealed he believed in the Illuminati, that a comet relating to judgment day was coming to smite the earth and that it was his role to fight oppression. |
“I am here to prove we are under oppression, which we are, and when we are under oppression things like Bourke Street happen,” he said. | “I am here to prove we are under oppression, which we are, and when we are under oppression things like Bourke Street happen,” he said. |
Bourke Street deaths: James Gargasoulas found fit to stand trial for murder | |
He also made reference to Friday’s terrorist attack in Bourke Street and the December 2017 Flinders Street car attack. | He also made reference to Friday’s terrorist attack in Bourke Street and the December 2017 Flinders Street car attack. |
He told the court he wanted “God’s royal laws” reinstated, under which the penalty for his crimes would be death. | He told the court he wanted “God’s royal laws” reinstated, under which the penalty for his crimes would be death. |
Under cross-examination he told the director of public prosecutions, Kerri Judd, QC, he did not intend to kill people, but knew death or serious injury was probable. | Under cross-examination he told the director of public prosecutions, Kerri Judd, QC, he did not intend to kill people, but knew death or serious injury was probable. |
“I had permission to run people over but that doesn’t mean I have permission killing people,” he told the court. | “I had permission to run people over but that doesn’t mean I have permission killing people,” he told the court. |
Crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | Crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 |
Crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | Crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 |
Bourke Street deaths | Bourke Street deaths |
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