Tears Shed As "Terror" Accused Returns To Cell

Looking glum but putting on a brave smile Omar Hamed, 19, turned and waved goodbye to his family and friends before heading back to jail.

Having just been refused bail his mother and sister were in tears in the public gallery.

Hamed is one of the 16 arrested in the recent police terror raids and faces four arms charges along with possible terror charges.

Justice Patrick Treston denied Hamed’s bail but all details were suppressed.

His lawyer Anthony Rogers had earlier attempted to have name suppression re-applied to the defendant because of the possibility of two separate court cases, one for the arms charges and one for any terrorism charges.

Mr Rogers argued that having his name in the news about one case might be disadvantageous in the other.

But Judge Treston denied the application and said his face has already been out in the media. “It’s like trying to shut the gate after the horse has bolted,” he said.

Also appearing in court today was Tama Iti’s nephew Rawiri iti.

Having previously been denied bail, Iti’s lawyer applied to make a fresh bail application on the grounds there was a new case for bail. The application was turned down by judge Treston saying there was not enough new information to justify considering a new bail application.

Rawiri Iti is remanded until November 23 when his lawyer is going to apply for electronic detention.

As he left the dock Iti’s family and friends shouted greetings which were returned by Rawiri.

Also briefly appearing today were Valerie Morse and Emily Bailey.

Their lawyer had indicated yesterday he might be making a bail application today but after Hamed's bail was refused they did not apply for it.

Each court appearance of the 16 arrested in the police raids has had a strong showing of support by friends and families.

In addition, for each appearance there have also been a number of people outside the court with banners protesting the potential terror charges.

ENDS

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