Islamic extremist faces contempt of court charges after yelling at judge, refusing to stand
A Sydney Islamic extremist who repeatedly refused to stand for four District Court judges during multiple criminal cases, including alleged attempted murder and car theft, is finally facing contempt of court charges.
Milad bin Ahmad-Shah al-Ahmadzai’s behaviour in court escalated since May 2014 when he refused to stand for District Court Judge Ian McClintock when pleading guilty to threatening to slit an ASIO officer’s throat.
Last Friday he refused to stand for Judge Jane Culver, then turned his back to pray and shouted at her, forcing her to leave the bench during his sentencing for a ram raid.
Judge Culver was interrupted while read out a letter written by al-Ahmadzai’s mother, when he started shouting, “no, no, no,” and “just hand it back!”
A spokesman for New South Wales Attorney-General Gabrielle told News Corp al-Ahmadzai’s “latest behaviour in court may trigger a contempt charge”.
The 26-year-old Muslim man previously claimed his refusal was based on the grounds of his "religious beliefs".
Friday’s sentencing was the fifth time al-Ahmadzai refused to stand for judges. His behaviour did not meet the threshold for a contempt of court charge, until now.
His most recent behaviour has escalated to a point where a District Court judge could impose a maximum fine of $2200 and 28 days jail.
Following al-Ahmadzai’s disrespectful court behaviour in December, Ms Upton introduce a new law into parliament to make it a criminal offense to not rise for a judge in court.
His sentencing for the ram raid will resume today.
News break – May 16
