SYDNEY, Aug 12: Australian prosecutors have reviewed more than 800 witness statements as they continue building the case against a 25 year old man accused of killing 15 people during a Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Naveed Akram appeared briefly before the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday in connection with 78 charges arising from the December 14 attack. Police allege the assault was inspired by the Islamic State group.
Prosecutor Danielle New told the court that investigators and prosecutors were still working through a substantial volume of material collected during the investigation.
The evidence examined so far includes more than 800 witness statements, video recordings, ballistic material and information extracted from seven electronic devices, New said.
However, investigators are yet to complete their assessment of data obtained from another 12 electronic devices. A forensic report relating to an improvised explosive device also remains outstanding.
The court was told that Akram and his 50 year old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly launched the attack by throwing four improvised explosive devices towards a Jewish crowd. None of the devices detonated.
Police have identified the devices as three aluminium pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb containing explosive material, gunpowder and steel ball bearings. Authorities have described the devices as viable despite their failure to explode.
Sajid Akram was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police, while his son was wounded and subsequently taken into custody.
Naveed Akram faces charges including murder, attempted murder and committing a terrorist act. He has not yet entered pleas to the allegations.
The proceedings were adjourned until October 28, when prosecutors are expected to provide the court with a further update on the progress of their case.