This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

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

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
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 4636Crisis 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 4636Crisis 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 deathsBourke Street deaths
MelbourneMelbourne
VictoriaVictoria
Crime - AustraliaCrime - Australia
newsnews
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
Share via EmailShare via Email
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn
Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
Share on Google+Share on Google+
Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp
Share on MessengerShare on Messenger
Reuse this contentReuse this content