Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, the hero of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia, says the allegations are false and has confirmed he will fight them in court
The man celebrated as a hero for his bravery during December’s Bondi Beach terror attack has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge in court.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, pleaded not guilty to an allegation he assaulted his father at his dad’s Bankstown home in southwestern Sydney on March 9. The man hailed as the ‘Bondi hero’ also denied allegations that he placed his father in a headlock.
He pleaded not guilty to domestic violence common assault and stalking, intimidation at a court appearance in Bankstown on Wednesday (June 24).
“My client maintains his plea … the presumption of innocence should be maintained and upheld,” his Sakr said outside court, Sydney paper the Daily Telegraph reported.
“I believe the prosecution’s case bears some issues and over the next few weeks those issues will be lavished.”
Defence lawyer Mohamad Sakr outside Bankstown court said his client maintained his innocence.
“It’s been very difficult,” Mr Sakr said. “It is a family situation he never expected, one would never want to expect, and it must be really difficult for him.
“But there is one thing that should be upheld and that is the presumption of innocence.
“He is a heroic man and his honesty and dignity should be maintained until these matters are ultimately determined.”
Mr al-Ahmed’s father, Mohammad Fadeh al-Ahmed, told Australian national broadcaster the ABC that he was hopeful the case would soon be settled.
“God willing it will all be resolved,” he said. “After all there’s nothing more precious than your child.”
Earlier in June, NSW Police confirmed that officers received a report of an alleged assault at a property in Bankstown on March 9.
“On Wednesday (June 3), a 44-year-old man was served with a Court Attendance Notice for common assault (DV) and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic),” police said in an official statement.
Australian broadcaster 7News reported that the assault charge related to allegations that he placed his father in a headlock. As a consequence, an apprehended violence order (AVO) has been issued against him. Al-Ahmed has also been ordered to stay 100m away from his father’s home and place of work.
In an interview with 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham, he said: “I don’t deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance in life.”
“I don’t deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance in life.”
In remarkable footage filmed on that devastating December day, the Syrian-turned-Sydneysider can be seen grappling the firearm from Sajid Akram’s grasp.
His son, Naveed Akram, has subsequently been charged with 59 offences including terrorism for his alleged role in the incident. Akram was later shot dead by police and his son, Naveed, was wounded and charged with 59 offences.
While al-Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot injuries, his swift intervention is widely acknowledged for preventing further casualties. As he recuperated in hospital, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid him a visit, hailing him as the “best of our country.”
In a post-attack interview, al-Ahmed explained: “My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people. I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.”
Al-Ahmed received the Keys to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, his local area, and earlier this year walked onto the pitch ahead of play on the final Test of the Ashes series.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, who bestowed the honour upon al-Ahmed, had previously stated: “What Ahmed did in that moment was remarkable. His courageous actions were motivated by his desire to save innocent lives.
“In the process, Ahmed himself was shot several times and sustained serious injuries. When evil came to Bondi Beach, Ahmed and countless ordinary heroes did not hesitate to confront it. His instinctive courage, his willingness to put others first, and his quiet bravery will never be forgotten. Our whole community is profoundly grateful.”
Al-Ahmed is scheduled to appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 29.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login