Share and Follow
Jayson Joseph Michaels allegedly outlined a plan for a violent attack targeting Western Australia police headquarters, the state parliament, and several mosques in a diary, as revealed during a bail hearing in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Michaels, aged 20, is confronting five charges, including preparing for a terrorist act. These charges stem from the discovery of his diary, seized by police during a February raid at his parents’ residence in Bindoon, located north of Perth.
The diary reportedly contained detailed plans, listing actions Michaels intended to execute, such as crafting weapons and body armor for what he termed a “day of justice,” according to Commonwealth prosecutor Kirsten Nelson.
“The diary clearly demonstrates his intent to commit a terrorist act,” Nelson stated.
Michaels, appearing in court via video-link from Casuarina Prison, with a chin beard and shoulder-length hair, allegedly aimed to purchase a 3D printer to manufacture a firearm. He also reportedly took a job to access bomb-making materials but departed after just one day without accomplishing this goal.
He also compared the Bondi Beach attack to his own terror plot and wrote notes about how it might impact it, Ms Nelson said.
“What I want to do to both these groups pales in comparison to today,” he allegedly wrote after the December 14 shootings that killed 15 and injured many more.
“What will they all think when my face is on TV?” he wrote.
Michaels allegedly accessed online material about extremist white supremacist ideology, some of which was described as a manifesto and instruction manual from a declared terrorist organisation.
He wrote about researching entry points and door locks at his target locations and considered using a van that looked like an ambulance to make his escape, Ms Nelson said.
He also allegedly penned a notes about buying a ballistic helmet, designing and building body armour or an Iron Man-style metal suit.
“I think I’m addicted to the (Watch People Die) website,” he wrote in another diary entry.
The website was open on his computer when police burst into his room.
Michaels’ defence lawyer, former federal attorney-general Christian Porter, said his client was an isolated and depressed young man who had no intention to carry out the plan.
“This was a pie in the sky dream,” he said.
“A Walter Mitty-esque fantasy.
Michaels’ diary had “all the hallmarks of a Marvel comic,” Mr Porter said.
“He is revealed in this diary as a pretender full of big talk,” he said.
The Crown’s case is weak because it relies on the diary, Mr Porter said.
Magistrate Belinda Coleman said the diary, found in a locked drawer, had “disturbing” entries and were not just “ramblings”.
“It was chilling material,” with derogatory references to various ethnic groups, she said.
Michaels also had two guns, 900 rounds of ammunition and various knives in his bedroom, she said as she refused bail.
Michaels is yet to enter pleas and due to face Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on May 13.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.