Terror plot accused may seek stay

LAWYERS for a man accused of planning a terror attack on an army Base in Sydney have signalled they may file an application to stay his trial.

LAWYERS for a man accused of planning a terror attack on the Holsworthy Army Base in Sydney have signalled they may file an application to stay his trial due to the conditions of his incarceration.

David Brustman told the Victorian Supreme Court this morning that his client Wissam Fattal may consider lodging a stay application in the future “as a result of problems arising out of his incarceration” at Barwon Prison.

Mr Fattal is one of five men charged with conspiring to plan a terror attack on the Sydney army base. Commonwealth prosecutors allege the group were going to arm themselves and shoot as many soldiers as possible in a suicide mission.

Mr Fattal, Saney Aweys, Yacqub Khayre and Abdirahman Ahmed faced a brief administrative hearing this morning at the Supreme Court after being committed to stand trial on the charges two weeks ago. They have all pleaded not guilty.

The fifth man, Nayef El Sayed, is still facing a committal hearing next May over his alleged involvement.

The hearing was told the trial, slated for next July, may take up to four months.

Rob Starry, acting of behalf of Mr Khayre, said his client was likely to make another bail application soon.