Mass killer James Gargasoulas admits to driving to Melbourne CBD to hit pedestrians
James Gargasoulas says he had a “clear mind” and drove to the city to run people over when he ploughed into Bourke St pedestrians, killing six and injuring dozens more. READ HIS COURTROOM RANT
Law & Order
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James Gargasoulas says he had a “clear mind” and drove to the city to run people over when he ploughed into Bourke St pedestrians, killing six and injuring dozens more.
The evil murderer today gave evidence for 20 minutes in his pre-sentence hearing at the Supreme Court where he admitted he mowed people down because he thought it would help him evade the pursuing police.
‘COWARD’: FAMILIES UNLEASH ON BOURKE ST KILLER
HOW AN ORDINARY DAY TURNED TO TRAGEDY
“I went to the city to run people over to get away from the police,” Gargasoulas said.
“I only had one tiny little bit of ice, just before, at 1 o’clock in the morning, which had no effect on my behaviour. I had a tiny puff, but it didn’t really do anything.”
When Gargasoulas described himself as “a man with a big heart”, Crown prosecutor Raymond Gibson questioned how someone with a big heart would not stop after hitting innocent people.
Gargasoulas answered: “I felt the colliding on the windscreen.
“I just stopped thinking. After the first victim hit the windscreen I couldn’t see anything.”
Gargasoulas started his evidence by reading a handwritten letter of apology before going on to blame “government oppression” for his actions.
“To all the victims of the 20th of January 2017, I apologise from my heart for taking the lives of your loved ones,” Gargasoulas said.
“I know my apology is not going to fix what I’ve done. Not even a lengthy jail sentence will fix what I’ve done.
“I didn’t think my life would turn out like this. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through.
“I also apologise to all of the many injured by my driving.
“I’m deeply ashamed of what I’ve done. I must say it is a tragic day for all of you, and myself.
“If only we could go back in time, I would change it all.”
He then added: “What I want you to know is that I am a victim of government oppression. It is because of oppression that six people died and many were injured.”
“I am not evil. I’m not a terrorist. I’m a freedom fighter who is now educated to stop oppression,” he said.
A letter from Gargasoulas’s father Christos, tendered in court, revealed how he had tried to “talk sense” to his son after noticing him becoming scared and paranoid in the months before Bourke St.
“I noticed that Jimmy was not very stable with any jobs or relationships or life in general,” Christos Gargasoulas said.
“He would constantly lie and was slightly erratic in his behaviour.
“He would say that people and the police are after him and trying to kill him. I was trying to talk sense to him and he wouldn’t listen to me.”
Reaching out to the victims, Mr Gargasoulas Snr said: “I am very sorry for what my son has done and apologise for his actions and all the pain he has caused. This has hurt everyone that is involved and has brought much shame on my family.”
Defence barrister Dr Theo Alexander accepted a life sentence was appropriate but urged Justice Mark Weinberg to give Gargasoulas the “hope of release one day” by setting a non-parole period.
The hearing continues.