FIVE MEN sentenced in Sydney yesterday over an Islamist terror plot have been given maximum sentences, ranging from 23 to 28 years in jail.
The men, who last October were found guilty of stockpiling explosive chemicals and firearms, smiled when the sentences were handed down.
Justice Anthony Whealy of the New South Wales (NSW) supreme court said their crimes had been the “most serious criminality of its kind” and that the men, who have been in custody since 2005, regarded their imprisonment as a badge of honour.
The judge said the men had shown no remorse and had poor prospects for rehabilitation.
“While I cannot be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that any of the offenders intended directly to kill or take human life, it is clear . . . that the fanaticism and extremist position taken by each offender countenanced the possibility of loss of life if that were to occur.
“Each conspirator intended that the ultimate act or terrorist act was to be an effective one, one that would make a significant difference to the government and the community.
“It would also be a meaningful expression of their own anger and frustration as they saw it directed toward the Australian people’s unfair attitude towards Muslims,” said Justice Whealy.
The court heard that the men were found in possession of material glorifying Osama Bin Laden, and images of ritual beheadings.
“One particular feature of this trial was the fact that a considerable volume of extremist material was held by each offender in common with the other conspirators,” the judge said.
During their trial, the court heard that each of the men had been a party to stockpiling chemicals to make explosives and had “step-by-step instructions on how to make bombs capable of causing large-scale death and destruction”.
The prosecution said the men had intended to pursue “violent jihad which involved the application of extreme force and violence, including the killing of those who did not share the fundamentalist . . . extremist, beliefs”.
A sister of the youngest of the five men said her brother was not planning a terrorist attack and condemned the length of his sentence. “Not even murderers get sentenced that much,” she said. “It’s not fair to him, our community or our religion.”
The trial took 10 months, making it one of the longest criminal trials in NSW history. The convicted men were given non-parole periods ranging from 17 to 21 years.