Bondi Attack Case: 78 Charges Pending as Court Delays Trial
Prosecutors request a reprieve to consult with victims before certifying charges against Naveed Akram, who faces 15 murder counts.
By Ethan Cook ·
Naveed Akram has been charged with 78 offences in connection with the December 14 shooting at Bondi Beach, a count that includes 15 murders and one terrorist act. The criminal case against the 24-year-old suspect was adjourned on Wednesday at Sydney's Downing Centre local court and will not return until 24 February.
The delay follows the conclusion of a massive evidence-gathering process by the joint counter-terrorism team. In December, Akram faced 59 charges. Prosecutors added 19 more counts in April as the inquiry expanded. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed at the scene while Naveed Akram survived a shootout with police. The attack on the Hanukah festival left 15 people dead and 40 injured.
Prosecutor Danielle New applied for the adjournment, and the defense team did not oppose the request. Judge Karen Stafford granted the motion. New stated that the crown needs time to consult with alleged victims and their next of kin before formally certifying the charges. Certification is the procedural step where prosecutors list the specific offences that will proceed to trial.
New told the court that the team did not want to rush these discussions, particularly with the Hanukah holiday, Christmas holidays, and the summer court shutdown approaching. She emphasized the need to ensure every person's narrative is addressed. "It's important the crown goes over everything again, to make sure no person's narrative is left untold," New said.
The brief of evidence contains thousands of witness statements, medical records, and financial documents. It also includes records of purchases made by the Akrams and video footage from the beach on the evening of the attack. New described the investigation as unprecedented in size and noted the professional commitment of all involved. A police fact sheet from December alleged the pair meticulously planned the attack for months, including creating an ISIS-inspired video and training with firearms.
The same document alleged the suspects visited the Bondi footbridge two days prior to the shooting to conduct reconnaissance. They are accused of firing from that location at people gathered for the Jewish festival. Investigators allege the terrorist act may have been inspired by ISIS. Akram has not yet entered a plea.
The next scheduled hearing is set for 24 February. By that date, prosecutors expect to be ready to certify the charges. The case remains in the local court phase before potentially moving to the higher court for trial. The defense and prosecution will meet then to finalize the list of offences.
