Joint Media Release - Operation Hammerli Pendennis Eden
Release date: 16 October 2009
12:52
New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police welcomes the outcome of today’s court hearing and understand that the jury had a long and difficult case to examine. We thank them for their diligence.
This prosecution was the result of a highly successful joint operation between New South Wales Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the New South Wales Crime Commission and supported by other jurisdictions and agencies, in particular the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
It has taken a great deal of hard work and commitment from a large number of people across many organisations to bring this case to court and is testament to the professionalism of the officers involved in what was Australia’s largest ever terrorist investigation and one of Australia’s largest criminal trials. Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies continue to work cooperatively in relation to counter terrorism investigations.
The evidence produced to the court clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the allegations. The seriousness of these offences is evidenced by the sentences incurred by the co-accused who received sentences of up to 18 years imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Tony Negus said that today’s court result brings to an end the longest terrorism trial in Australia’s history.
“This is the result of one of Australia’s largest ever joint terrorism investigations and follows one of Australia’s largest criminal trials lasting 181 days.
“I would like to recognise the dedication, professionalism and skill of the members involved in bringing this matter to resolution and in preventing these individuals from carrying out a terrorist act on Australian soil.
“This is yet another excellent example of Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies partnering to combat threats to Australia’s national security.
“Terrorism has a global reach which we have seen over the years and I can assure the public that the Australian Federal Police will continue to work tirelessly with State and Territory counterparts and intelligence agencies to detect and prevent potential threats to ensure that Australia remains one of the safest countries in the world,” Commissioner Negus said.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione praised the dedication of the officers involved in these investigations and said this has been mirrored in the way they have gone about collecting and presenting evidence to the court.
“It is testament to the professionalism and resilience of those officers to see the matter through to its conclusion.
“The sheer volume of evidence alone is an example of their determination.
“It is through this commitment, determination and dedication that the community can have confidence in our ability to detect and prevent acts of terrorism.
“I cannot stress strongly enough - complacency is a terrorist’s best friend.
“But I can assure you that the New South Wales Police Force will never become complacent when it comes to tracking down terrorists.
“We will continue our efforts to provide our community a safe and secure NSW,” Commissioner Scipione said.
Details of accused:
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A 25-year-old Bellfield man was convicted of one count of 'conspiring to do an act in preparation/ planning for a terrorist act’ under Sections 11.5(1) & 101.6(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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A 32-year-old Wiley Park man was convicted of one count of 'conspiring to do an act in preparation/ planning for a terrorist act’ under Sections 11.5(1) & 101.6(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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A 36-year-old Lakemba man was convicted of one count of 'conspiring to do an act in preparation/ planning for a terrorist act’ under Sections 11.5(1) & 101.6(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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A 40-year-old Lakemba man was convicted of one count of 'conspiring to do an act in preparation/ planning for a terrorist act’ under Sections 11.5(1) & 101.6(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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A 44-year-old Condell Park man was convicted of one count of 'conspiring to do an act in preparation/ planning for a terrorist act’ under Sections 11.5(1) & 101.6(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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A 28-year-old Wiley Park man was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months with a non-parole period of 3 years, 11 months and 7 days fixed in accordance with s. 19AG of Crimes Act 1914.
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A 29-year-old Bankstown man was sentenced to a total of 14 years with a non parole period of 10 years and 6 months.
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A 33-year-old Belmore man was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months with a non parole period of 3 years and 6 months.
The Sydney Supreme Court trial brief consisted of the following material:
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Extremely large volumes of electronic surveillance product
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Evidence from long term extensive covert evidence gathering
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Over 2000 physical exhibits, of which approximately 1000 were tendered by the Crown into evidence;
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Over 2100 witness statements, with approximately 300 witnesses being required to give evidence;
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A paper brief in excess of 150 A4 lever arch folders;
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110 days pre trial proceedings resulting in over 60 NSW Supreme Court Judgments and
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Over 181 days of evidence, judgements and closing submissions before the Supreme Court of NSW.
Police continue to encourage the public to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 – to report suspicious activity.
Video addresses from Assistant Commissioner Peter Dein and Superintendent John O’Reilly from the NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command can be viewed at the secureNSW website – www.secure.nsw.gov.au