More jail time for two terrorists
TWO youths who planned to kill Victorians on Anzac Day and Mother’s Day will spend more time in jail after the Court of Appeal ruled they had got off lightly.
A teenager, known as MHK, who planned to slaughter innocent people with pipe bombs and pressure cooker bombs on Mother’s Day had his minimum prison sentence increased from five years and three months to eight years and three months.
Sevdet Besim, who planned to kill police officers in an Anzac Day attack, will serve at least 10 years and six months in jail – up from seven years and six months.
Each of the terrorists’ head sentences was increased by four years – Besim to 14 years and MHK to 11.
Chief Justice Marilyn Warren seemed troubled when it was announced the men could be subject to a continuing detention order at the end of their sentences.
The Court of Appeal heard the amendment to the relevant legislation allowing the orders came into effect only this month. The orders, which are applied for by the Attorney-General, could result in the men being held for an additional three years at the end of their sentences.
Chief Justice Warren said she was surprised by the revelation and would need to investigate whether the amendment applied
retrospectively to the men.
“It’s most unsatisfactory,” she said of the delay in being told.
In re-sentencing, the court ruled the judge made a mistake in letting MHK off so lightly.
Likewise, the court found the Supreme Court judge got it wrong when it came to sentencing Besim.