This is a joint media release between the AFP, Western Australia Police Force and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
A Perth man, 43, previously charged with terrorism related offences is expected to face Armadale Magistrate’s Court today (16 September 2022) for allegedly breaching a condition of his bail.
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) identified he had allegedly created and accessed social media applications despite being prohibited.
The alleged breach was identified when the man presented his mobile phone device to police for review during a compliance check, which was one of the conditions of his bail.
The WA JCTT notified the Department of Justice of the alleged breach, resulting in the man’s bail being revoked and an arrest warrant issued.
WA Police Force officers arrested the man at his home on 7 September (2022) and charged him with breach of bail, contrary to section 51 of the Bail Act 1982 (WA).
He appeared briefly in court on 8 September 2022, where he was remanded in custody and the matter was held over until today (16 September 2022).
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.
In October, 2021, the man was arrested as part of a WA JCTT investigation into his alleged online activities which included threats towards various public officials. He was subsequently charged with the following offences:
- make threats to kill, injure or harm any person, whether a particular person or not, contrary to section 338B(a) and by virtue of section 388 of the Criminal Code Compilation Act 1913 (WA);
- make statement or act creating false apprehension as to existence of threat or danger, contrary to section 338C(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Compilation Act 1913 (WA); and
- failure to secure ammunition, contrary to section 23(1)(b) of the Firearms Regulations Act 1974 (WA).
In December 2021, the man was further charged with urging violence against the Constitution, contrary to section 80.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
On 24 June 2022, the accused was released on bail with strict conditions, including to remain off the internet and social media.
AFP Counter Terrorism Investigations Acting Commander Renee Colley said Joint Counter Terrorism Teams would not hesitate to act when offenders charged with terrorism offences did not comply with their set bail conditions.
“The JCTT will take swift action and bring them back before the courts,” A/Commander Colley said.
“The AFP and its joint counter terrorism partners remain committed to protecting the community and remain focused on working to prevent any further offending.”
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
The WA JCTT is comprised of members from the AFP, WA Police Force and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation who ensure risks of violent extremism is monitored, investigated and disrupted. The WA JCTT works tirelessly to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.
