Prosecutor blamed for failing to lock up gunman confronted
Seven News has confronted the prosecutor blamed with failing to keep gunman Man Monis in prison before the Lindt Cafe siege.
Brian Royce, who now works in private practice, has been criticised for failing to lock up Monis.
Prior to the siege, Monis was granted bail on charges of accessory to murder his ex wife.
He would not comment when approached by Seven News, but the survivors of the Lindt Café siege have been far more vocal.
Survivor Marica Mikhael said the fact he was out on bail was “unforgivable,” while fellow survivor John O’Brien said Monis “shouldn’t have been out on bail in the first place.”
The coroner found Mr Royce had, “failed to prepare diligently or effectively for the bail application.”
“Mr Royce did not understand the relevant law and he failed to undertake sufficient research on the issue,” the coroner told the inquest.
When Monis was charged with sexually assaulting women, the DPP prosecutor did not oppose bail when the matter faced court.
The coroner found blame laid solely with Monis but lessons had to be learnt by police and the DPP.
It’s believed prosecutors will now ramp up their efforts to oppose bail.
