Man Who Fantasized About Bombing Universities to Be Freed Unsupervised
Judge states man convicted of explosives possession has been 'punished enough' after two years in jail, despite psychiatrist warning of ongoing fixation.
En resumen
- A young man who planned university bombings and school shootings will be released without supervision after serving two years in jail, with a judge deeming his punishment sufficient.
- Despite warnings about his ongoing fixation on extreme ideologies and chemistry, he is discharged entirely.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
A 21-year-old man was convicted of explosives possession charges after planning attacks on universities and his former school. He had been in custody since 2024 and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and Schizotypal personality disorder.
A young man who fantasised about bombing universities and shooting students at his old school will be freed into the community with no supervision, after a judge said he had been "punished enough" by two years in jail.
The man, who pleaded guilty to two explosives possession charges, stored a cache of chemicals in his home and created a manifesto where he discussed taking "revenge" on former classmates, police alleged.
Today, a psychiatrist said the man spent a lot of time "living in a fantasy world" and that his fixation on chemistry was "not going to go away".
Soon after, County Court Judge Douglas Trapnell convicted the now-21-year-old and discharged him entirely.
It means he will be able to return home to live with his parents and will not be subjected to further supervision or reporting conditions.
Due to an ongoing suppression order granted on mental health grounds, the ABC is unable to reveal the Melbourne man's name, suburb or the institutions he planned on targeting.
The man has been in custody since 2024, when he was denied bail by a local magistrate.
Today, the judge accused prosecutors of "dithering around" with the case after the man offered to plead guilty last year.
He has spent 677 days in custody, a period the judge considered too long for the offences he was charged with.
"He's been punished enough," Judge Trapnell said.
The judge rejected calls from prosecutor Jordan O'Toole for a sentence that included compulsory therapeutic treatment for the man.
"This young man with no prior convictions who has been languishing in [protective custody] for 677 days and you stand there wanting me to give him something more, well it's not happening," the judge said.
Psychologist Michael Davis said the man had autism spectrum disorder and Schizotypal personality disorder, conditions that affected his ability to have empathy and socialise with others.
He said the man had "a degree of grandiosity" and was attracted to far-left and far-right ideologies.
"As long as it's extreme, he's drawn to it," Mr Davis said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found disturbing posts the man made online and alerted Australian police in 2024.
During two police raids of the man's house, officers found precursor explosives chemicals, some of which were purchased on eBay and Etsy.
Other items located included chemistry glassware, a tactical military vest, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, walkie-talkies, electronic shock collars and coded, handwritten notes.
According to 2024 court documents, the notes included plans to "commit several bombings at a university", derail a train and poison members of the public.
Judge Trapnell said he was powerless to revoke the suppression order over the man's name, first granted by Magistrate Luisa Bazzani in 2024, because of the way the order had been worded.
It would fall to the media or other parties to go back to her court to request a review of the order, he said.
Qué observar
Perspectiva de IA — posibilidades, no hechos
There will be public outcry and media attention focused on the judge's decision and the efficacy of the legal system in handling such threats.
Muy probable · En días
The suppression order regarding the man's identity and targeted institutions will be challenged by media organizations.
Probable · En semanas
There will be increased scrutiny of how mental health is considered in sentencing for violent offenses, particularly those involving ideations of terrorism or mass violence.
Probable · En meses
Preguntas abiertas
- What are the specific details of the suppression order that prevent the man's name from being revealed?
- What was the exact nature of the 'fantasy world' the psychiatrist referred to?
- Will the man's parents be aware of his past plans and diagnoses?
- What specific security measures are universities implementing in response to such threats?
