Man Accused of Plotting WA Terror Attack Believed Plan Would Surpass Bondi Shootings
The Perth Magistrates Court has heard disturbing details of an alleged terror plot targeting public buildings and places of worship in Western Australia. Jayson Joseph Michaels, a 20-year-old from Bindoon, is accused of planning attacks that he believed would be more severe than the Bondi beach mass shootings.
Diary Reveals Chilling Intentions
During a failed bail application on Wednesday, Commonwealth prosecutor Kirsten Nelson presented evidence from a diary seized during a police raid on Michaels' parents' home in February. The diary contained detailed entries outlining preparations for what Michaels called a "day of justice."
"The diary is a clear expression of his intent to engage in a terrorist act," Nelson told the court. The entries allegedly included plans to attack Western Australia police headquarters, WA Parliament House, and several mosques.
Comparison to Bondi Beach Attack
In particularly chilling passages, Michaels allegedly compared his planned assault to the Bondi beach shootings that occurred on 14 December, which resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. "What I want to do to both these groups pales in comparison to today," he wrote in one entry.
Another entry asked: "What will they all think when my face is on TV?" suggesting anticipation of media coverage following his alleged planned attacks.
Detailed Preparations Alleged
The court heard that Michaels' diary contained specific plans to acquire weapons and protective gear. He allegedly intended to purchase a 3D printer to manufacture a gun and took a job where he could access bomb-making materials, though he left empty-handed after just one day.
Further entries detailed research into entry points and door locks at target locations, consideration of using an ambulance-style van for escape, and plans to acquire ballistic helmets and body armor described as an "Iron Man-style metal suit."
Extremist Material and Weapons Cache
Prosecutors revealed that Michaels had accessed online material about extremist white supremacist ideology, including what was described as a manifesto and instruction manual from a declared terrorist organization.
When police raided his bedroom, they allegedly found the "Watch People Die" website open on his computer. The search also uncovered two guns, 900 rounds of ammunition, and various knives in his possession.
Defence Claims "Pie-in-the-Sky Dream"
Michaels' defence lawyer, former federal attorney general Christian Porter, argued his client was an isolated and depressed young man with no genuine intention to carry out the plans. "This was a pie-in-the-sky dream," Porter told the court. "A Walter Mitty-esque fantasy."
Porter described the diary as having "all the hallmarks of a Marvel comic" and characterized Michaels as "a pretender full of big talk." He argued the crown's case was weak because it relied heavily on the diary entries.
Magistrate Finds Material "Chilling"
Magistrate Belinda Coleman rejected the defence characterization, describing the diary entries as "disturbing" and not mere "ramblings." She noted the material contained "derogatory references to various ethnic groups" and was "chilling" in its content.
Based on the evidence presented, including the weapons cache found in Michaels' bedroom, Magistrate Coleman refused bail, citing concerns about community safety.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Jayson Joseph Michaels faces five charges, including acting in preparation for a terrorist act. He has not yet entered pleas and is scheduled to appear at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on 13 May for further proceedings.
The case has drawn attention to counter-terrorism efforts in Western Australia and raised questions about how authorities identify and intervene in potential terror plots before they can be executed.
