We don't Target Muslims

Suspect is 'mentally disturbed'

By Matthew Moore
November 16, 2005

Khaled Sharrouf, 24, was diagnosed as a schizophrenic four years ago and suffers mental illness that would probably have influenced his behaviour in making the alleged remarks, according to the author of one of the reports.

Revelations of Sharrouf's mental state come a day after police released a statement describing how he and seven others they allege were planning terrorist attacks had purchased chemicals that could be used to make bombs and had travelled to properties near Bourke to prepare for their assaults.

Apart from his desire to die in an attack, police allege Sharrouf went to a store in Chullora last month with several other members of the group and was caught trying to steal batteries and six digital timers.

Bomb-maker lucky to be alive - and on bail

By Malcolm Brown and Geesche Jacobsen January 13, 2004

The man who exploded a huge bomb at Doonside is expected to walk free on bail this morning after a magistrate ruled he did not intend to harm anyone and had no motive other than his own gratification in setting off the explosion.

Mark John Avery, a 27-year-old electrician who allegedly detonated the bomb by lighting a sparkler and "running like hell", was lucky not to have killed himself, Blacktown Local Court heard yesterday.

Avery told police he learnt how to make the bomb from the internet and had bought the ingredients from hardware stores, pool shops and agricultural suppliers.

Magistrate Brian Lulham said there was no evidence Avery had an expert knowledge of explosives. "I suppose the worrying aspect of this matter is that any person could acquire these items," he said.

Police ministers are reviewing the way ammonium nitrate, a common fertiliser, is sold.

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, told ABC television last night governments were looking at a variety of ways to limit unlawful use of such chemicals.

The NSW Police Minister, John Watkins, said he wanted a sensible, quick, nationwide solution that would make the community safer.

"But we have to also take into account the needs of law-abiding farmers, gardeners and even people with swimming pools," he said.

Avery's lack of knowledge of explosives was supported by the fact he had used a sparkler to set off the device. Mr Lulham said: "I don't know how you could get away with it and not kill yourself!"

Avery, who wiped away a tear, nodded. Mr Lulham: "That fact more than any other would cause you not to have any more to do with chemicals, do you understand?"

Avery: "Yes."

The explosion blew a hole two metres deep and five metres wide, and spread bits of the car over 350 metres, smashing it so completely that neither its model nor make could be identified from the wreckage, the court heard.

Yesterday a Queensland man was caught with a real stockpile of actual, homemade explosives. He was released on bail. The admiration of your peers to anyone who can actually find the story, I haven't been able to. Bet you he's not a Muslim.