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http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24006416-2862,00.html
Terror accused 'not with group'
Michelle Draper
July 12, 2008 12:00am
AN alleged terrorist had "very little contact" with members of a group accused of plotting to bomb the MCG, a court has been told.
Defence lawyer John O'Sullivan told the Supreme Court yesterday Shane Kent, 31, was not mixing with his 11 co-accused when plans were allegedly being hatched in 2005.
Mr O'Sullivan said the prosecution alleged the plans were foiled by ASIO raids between June 22 and 27, 2005, so the scheme would have been "on the drawing board" before this.
Mr O'Sullivan told the jury they had heard evidence that, at this time, Mr Kent had "very little contact with any of the other accused".
He was mixing with a different group of men, attending events involving music and alcoho
l and was having marriage difficulties, Mr O'Sullivan said.
His wife had voiced fears her husband was losing his religion, he added.
Mr Kent has denied being a member of a terrorist organisation. The alleged group leader, Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 48, and 10 others have also denied charges, including knowingly being a member of a terrorist organisation.
Mr O'Sullivan said there was little evidence connecting Mr Kent to the alleged activities of the group.
"Where is this close-knit, ideological, violent jihad relationship with those other 11 people? It's not there," he said. "Kent's part of this group, that's the extent of it.
"He was friends with (Fadl) Sayadi and (Aimen) Joud, knew Benbrika -- there is just no evidence he was part of some organisation."
Defence closing arguments continue next week.
Terror accused 'not with group'
Michelle Draper
July 12, 2008 12:00am
AN alleged terrorist had "very little contact" with members of a group accused of plotting to bomb the MCG, a court has been told.
Defence lawyer John O'Sullivan told the Supreme Court yesterday Shane Kent, 31, was not mixing with his 11 co-accused when plans were allegedly being hatched in 2005.
Mr O'Sullivan said the prosecution alleged the plans were foiled by ASIO raids between June 22 and 27, 2005, so the scheme would have been "on the drawing board" before this.
Mr O'Sullivan told the jury they had heard evidence that, at this time, Mr Kent had "very little contact with any of the other accused".
He was mixing with a different group of men, attending events involving music and alcoho
l and was having marriage difficulties, Mr O'Sullivan said.
His wife had voiced fears her husband was losing his religion, he added.
Mr Kent has denied being a member of a terrorist organisation. The alleged group leader, Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 48, and 10 others have also denied charges, including knowingly being a member of a terrorist organisation.
Mr O'Sullivan said there was little evidence connecting Mr Kent to the alleged activities of the group.
"Where is this close-knit, ideological, violent jihad relationship with those other 11 people? It's not there," he said. "Kent's part of this group, that's the extent of it.
"He was friends with (Fadl) Sayadi and (Aimen) Joud, knew Benbrika -- there is just no evidence he was part of some organisation."
Defence closing arguments continue next week.