Disturbing details have emerged about an 18-year-old Melbourne man charged with terror offences, accused of threatening the city’s oldest Jewish congregation and hiding a cache of machetes.
According to evidence presented before the Supreme Court, the teen, who allegedly showed deep interest in ISIS ideology, had a secret phone used to access extremist material “day and night.” Investigators discovered videos of executions, attacks on civilians, and combat scenes, as well as photos showing him wielding three machetes — which remain missing.
His mother testified that her son began exploring extremist content after being bullied in primary school, where classmates called him “a terrorist” and “Osama bin Laden.” She claimed counter-terrorism officers “fed” his obsession rather than addressing it when they first became aware of his behaviour in 2021.
Prosecutors described the teen as an “unacceptable risk to the community,” citing threats made against the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. The synagogue’s rabbi reportedly feared an imminent attack and broke down while giving his statement.
Defence counsel argued for bail under strict supervision, including electronic monitoring, curfew, and parental oversight. The family said they had taken extreme measures at home, including locking knives in a safe and conducting nightly checks.
Justice Rowena Orr will deliver her ruling on whether the accused will be granted bail in the coming days.
