By Sarah McPhee and Jessica McSweeney
A teenager accused of the terrorist stabbing of a bishop in Sydney’s west is facing two new charges, including attempted murder, as police analyse almost 60,000 photos and videos on his phone.
The 16-year-old is accused of repeatedly stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, the leader of Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church, as he delivered a livestreamed sermon in April.
The 16-year-old accused of carrying out a terrorist attack at a church in western Sydney.
The boy was initially charged with committing a terrorist act, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if proven. He has remained in custody for the past two months.
At a brief mention of his case in Parramatta Children’s Court on Friday, the Commonwealth prosecutor said two further charges had been laid against the teenager on May 31.
Court documents reveal the new charges are attempted murder of the bishop and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, relating to Father Isaac Royel at the scene.
All three charges were allegedly committed between 7.10pm and 11pm on April 15.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel delivers his sermon moments before he is attacked.
The bishop returned to the pulpit, wearing an eye patch, two weeks after the alleged terrorist attack.
The prosecutor sought a six-week adjournment, noting there was an “extensive amount of material on the person’s phone that is being analysed for purposes of designation of terrorism evidence”.
He said the material to be combed through by investigators included 52,000 images and 7500 videos.
“That is what is taking some time,” the prosecutor said.
The court heard 300 documents within the brief of evidence had already been served on the defence, and there were “parallel proceedings” regarding a forensic order for the “collection of evidence from the scene which will be relevant to the brief as well”.
The case was adjourned to July 26 when the parties are expected to provide a further update.
The 16-year-old’s lawyers previously told the court he has a “long history of behaviour” consistent with mental health issues.
The teenager did not appear via video link on Friday and did not apply for bail.
A riot erupted immediately after the alleged terror stabbing as thousands arrived following news of the attack spreading via social media – including many who weren’t connected to the church.
A large riot erupted outside the church.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Earlier on Friday, NSW Police revealed a total of 29 people have been charged over the riot.
As part of their investigation police released images of 18 people allegedly involved in the riot. Of those, 14 were arrested and 13 charged. Seven wanted men are yet to face justice.
Superintendent Andrew Evans said most information had come through the Crime Stoppers hotline, and police were confident the remaining men would be found.
“If they are prepared to assault police in a serious manner, I’d be concerned about their behaviour generally in the community,” Evans said.
“The community quite clearly are not prepared to have violent criminal offenders undertaking those sorts of acts on streets, towards police and at places of worship.
“Once we’ve arrested those persons and they are placed before the courts, I will be satisfied that all those persons who committed serious offending at the riot will face justice.”
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