An 18-year-old accused of possessing Islamic State-inspired terror material and importing an IS flag has been granted bail and will be released into the community. The Victorian Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a prosecution appeal seeking to keep the teen in custody, with Justice Diana Piekusis finding no error in the children's court magistrate's original bail decision.
The teen was granted bail on July 16, but remained in custody pending the outcome of the prosecution's appeal. He is expected to be released later on Monday. Justice Piekusis cautioned the teen to adhere strictly to his bail conditions, warning that any breach, however minor, would result in a return to court.
The charges stem from a March investigation initiated after intelligence indicated an IS flag was imported into Australia destined for a Melbourne address. Counter-terrorism detectives searched the property after identifying the teen as the alleged intended recipient. During the search, a USB drive, mobile phone, and laptop were seized.
Police allege the USB contained a photograph of a bomb in a backpack, along with instructional materials for preparing explosives. A video depicting a man demonstrating explosives was also reportedly found on his laptop, alongside propaganda material, photos of IS flags, and extremist sermons.
Further analysis of the teen's iPhone allegedly revealed searches related to train derailment operations, including methods and messages concerning targeting transportation. His search history also reportedly included inquiries about IS, IS wallpapers, the locations of synagogues, and busy intersections in Melbourne.
The original bail conditions set by the children's court magistrate included a nightly curfew, reporting to police three times a week, and a prohibition on being within 100 meters of a synagogue. Justice Piekusis stated that it was open for the magistrate to impose these conditions.