Man jailed for planning a terrorist attack in NSW

A man from Sydney was today sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 34 years, with a non-parole period of 29 years, for preparing and planning a terrorist attack, threatening to kill the NSW Commissioner of Corrective Services and for an attack on an inmate in custody.

Bourhan Hraichie (22) pleaded guilty to preparing for, or planning, terrorist acts against Australian law enforcement officers in support of Islamic State, and intentionally delivering a letter threatening to kill the NSW Commissioner of Corrective Services, prosecuted by the CDPP. He also pleaded guilty to offences, prosecuted by the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions, which related to a violent attack he carried out on a cellmate whilst in custody at the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre at Kempsey in 2016.

Mr Hraichie began planning a terrorist attack on police officers in late 2015, when he spoke to an associate about his intention and the location of guns. Between March and May 2016, while in custody for other offences, he continued his preparations and planning, obtaining a knife and making ropes to use in the attacks.

In May 2016, Mr Hraichie handed a letter to a NSW Corrective Services Officer, in which he threatened to kill the NSW Commissioner of Corrective Services.

At the conclusion of his NSW Supreme Court sentencing hearing in March 2019, Mr Hraichie sent a letter to the judge stating that he rejected democracy and the authority of the court.

In sentencing Mr Hraichie, his Honour Justice Johnson said that his risk of reoffending was high and his prospects of rehabilitation were bleak.

The CDPP’s Deputy Director for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, Scott Bruckard, said Mr Hraichie was motivated by a violent commitment to Islamic State.

“Even while in custody, this offender sought to actively prepare and plan attacks on law enforcement officers,” Mr Bruckard said.

“The sentence imposed today not only acts as a strong deterrent to others, it serves to protect the community from a person with radical views and a propensity for violence.”

Mr Bruckard commended the efforts of the police officers in the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team and Federal and NSW Prosecutors, who worked closely together to bring the offender to justice.

Summary of charges:

• One count of do acts in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, contrary to s101.6(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) – a term of imprisonment of 20 years, with a non-parole period of 15 years.
• One count of intentionally deliver a letter threatening to kill, contrary to s31 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – a term of imprisonment of 6 years 3 months, with a non-parole period of 4 years 7 months.

CDPP Media contact: media@cdpp.gov.au or 02 6206 5708.