Fresh charges against 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing a bishop during a live-streamed sermon
New charges have been filed against a 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing a bishop during a live-streamed sermon.
A court was told on Friday that the teenager will be charged with wounding with intent to murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, in addition to an existing charge of committing a terrorist act.
The court was also told that investigators have identified 52,000 images and 7,500 videos on the teenager’s phone, some of which require a Terrorism Evidence Notice to access.
“That will take some time,” the crown prosecutor told the Parramatta Children’s Court.
The teenager remains behind bars, accused of stabbing Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Priest Isaac Royel during a live-streamed service at Christ the Good Shepherd Church on April 15.
New charges have been filed against a 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing Bishop Emmanuel (pictured right) at Christ The Good Shepherd Church on April 15.
Father Isaac Royel (pictured right) after being released from hospital two days after the attack
A further six people were charged with violent rioting (pictured) outside the church after the alleged stabbing
The new charge of murder relates to Bishop Emmanuel, while the charge of causing grievous bodily harm relates to Father Royel.
The stabbing, which investigators say was religiously motivated, seriously injured Bishop Emmanuel before the teenager was overpowered.
The teen had been receiving treatment for mental health problems on and off for several years, his lawyer said during an earlier court appearance.
Police have also charged five other youths in connection with the stabbing.
Two men, aged 17 and 14, were charged with possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed through a carriage service.
One boy, aged 17, was charged with conspiracy to participate in an act in preparation or planning of an act of terrorism and with keeping a knife in a public place.
Two boys, both aged 16, are facing criminal charges of conspiracy to participate in an act in preparation or planning of an act of terrorism.
Another six people were charged with violent rioting outside the church after the alleged stabbing, bringing the total of those facing court over the ugly fight to 29 people.
The alleged stabbing case will appear in court on July 26.
