Qld: Accused terrorist to appeal fail bail application

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2006
Qld: Accused terrorist to appeal fail bail application

BRISBANE, Dec 21 AAP - A Brisbane high school teacher accused of terrorism charges
will appeal his failed Supreme Court bail application next year.

John Howard Amundsen today sought a review of his case before Chief Magistrate Marshall
Irwin in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Amundsen, 40, from the northside suburb of Aspley, is charged with using false documents
to obtain explosives and preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

He was arrested eight months ago after police uncovered 53kg of explosives at his home.

Amundsen, representing himself, had wanted to make an urgent bail application in the
magistrates court, but was informed by the chief magistrate that since he had started
the process in the Supreme Court, he needed to continue it there.

On Tuesday this week, Supreme Court Justice John Muir refused Amundsen's bail application
and remanded him in custody.

Amundsen said today one of his main concerns was his inability to make international
phone calls from the prison system.

He said this was preventing him from contacting potential United States-based witnesses,
who had special effects expertise which was crucial to his defence.

"I will certainly be raising my difficulties in accessing overseas witnesses in my
appeal," Amundsen said.

Mr Irwin adjourned the case for further review on January 12 next year.

AAP smk/sc/jt/nf

KEYWORD: AMUNDSEN

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