Raban Alou jailed for at least 33 years for role in Curtis Cheng murder

A Sydney man jailed for at 33 least years for his role in supplying the gun in the 2015 killing of police accountant Curtis Cheng made a one-finger salute in court today.

A 20-YEAR-OLD Sydney man who played a key role in the terror killing of police accountant Curtis Cheng gave a one-finger salute and said “this is the beginning” as he was led out of court after being jailed for at least 33 years.

Alou said: “I’m going to paradise, you’re going to hell ... this is just the beginning for enemies of Islam” after being sentenced.

Jailed: Raben Alou.

Shot dead: Curtis Cheng

Farhad Jabar shot dead Curtis Cheng outside NSW Police Headquarters in Parramatta.

Raban Alou sourced the loaded gun that was used by Farhad Jabar to fatally shoot Mr Cheng, a 58-year-old husband and father of two, as he left work at Parramatta Police Headquarters in October 2015.

Jabar, 15, was then killed in an exchange of gunfire.

NSW Supreme Court Justice Peter Johnson in sentencing today said Alou, an Islamic State supporter, played a lead role in the murder and Jabar couldn’t have committed it without him.

The judge sentenced Alou to 44 years in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for the charge of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a terrorist act.

Alou during his arrest. Picture: NSW Police Media

He said Alou’s outburst as he was led from the court today reinforced that he had no remorse or contrition and his prospects of rehabilitation were “almost hopeless”.

Alou’s sentence expires in October 2059 and he will be eligible for parole in 2048.

The judge warned that an application could be made for a continuing detention order requiring him to remain in prison after his sentence.

The son of Curtis Cheng, high school teacher Alpha, described today’s ruling as some “justice finally being done”.

Curtis Cheng's son Alpha Cheng and widow Selina Cheng leave Parramatta District Court today.

“My mother and I were in court to see justice being played out — it was hard, as it brought it all back for us, but we had to see it through,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“The ruling sent a clear message out that aiding and abetting a terrorist is just as bad as the act itself.

“Today some justice has been done but we still have a way to go as there are three other cases associated with my father’s death going through the system.

“What hurt for me and mum today is that Raban Alou showed no remorse for his actions which demonstrates how deep the radicalisation and hatred had seeped in.

“Mum is older now — she’s 63, but she’s brave and courageous and is relieved by today’s jail sentence.”