June 14th 2024.
A new set of charges has been brought against a 16-year-old boy who is accused of stabbing a bishop during a live-streamed sermon. According to reports in court today, the teenager will now face charges of wounding with intent to murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, on top of his existing charge of committing a terrorist act.
The prosecution also revealed that investigators have uncovered a whopping 52,000 images and 7500 videos on the accused's phone, some of which will require a terrorism evidence notice in order to access. As the crown prosecutor explained to the Parramatta Children's Court, this process can be quite time-consuming.
In the meantime, the teenager will remain in custody for allegedly stabbing Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and priest Isaac Royel during a live-streamed service at Christ the Good Shepherd Church on April 15. The new charge of intent to murder specifically pertains to Bishop Emmanuel, while the charge of intent to cause grievous bodily harm is related to Father Royel.
The stabbing, which is believed to have been fueled by religious motives, resulted in serious injuries for Bishop Emmanuel before the accused was eventually subdued. According to the teenager's lawyer, he has been receiving sporadic treatment for mental health issues over the course of several years.
In addition to the accused, five other juveniles have also been charged in connection to the stabbing. Two 17-year-old males have been charged with possessing or controlling violent extremist material, while a 17-year-old boy has been charged with conspiring to engage in an act of terrorism and possession of a knife in a public place. Two 16-year-old boys are also facing charges for conspiring to engage in acts of terrorism.
Furthermore, six other individuals have been charged for their involvement in violent riots that took place outside the church following the stabbing. This brings the total number of people facing court for their role in the disturbing incident to 29.
The accused's case is scheduled to return to court on July 26, where further details and evidence will be presented.
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