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‘No remorse’: Man refuses to stand for judge as he is sentenced for role in Curtis Cheng murder

Curtis Cheng's widow Selina Cheng and their son Alpha leave the NSW Supreme Court after the sentence was handed down.

Curtis Cheng's widow Selina Cheng and their son Alpha leave the NSW Supreme Court after the sentence was handed down. Photo: AAP

A 22-year-old man laughed and refused to stand for a Supreme Court Justice as he was sentenced to a maximum 38 years in prison for his role in the murder of police accountant Curtis Cheng in October 2015.

Milad Atai pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting 15-year-old Farhad Mohammad, who went onto murder Mr Cheng outside Parramatta Police Headquarters in a terrorist act.

Atai also pleaded guilty to two other charges for funding Islamic State.

In sentencing, Justice Peter Johnson told the Parramatta Supreme Court Atai showed no remorse and his risk of reoffending was significant.

Atai did not stand for Justice Johnson when he was sentenced.

Atai assisted Raban Alou in the weeks leading up to the terrorist act, by accompanying him to meetings where he was trying to buy a gun for the 15-year-old and get an Islamic State flag made.

Alou eventually sourced a gun from Talal Alameddine on October 2 and gave it to Mohammad at the Parramatta Mosque immediately before he went to the Parramatta Police Headquarters.

‘No hint of remorse or humanity’

During sentencing submissions last week, Atai said he was “happy” with his actions and a declaration of remorse he made during earlier legal proceedings was “bulls–t”.

Atai was not present at the Parramatta Mosque with Alou and Mohammad that day as he was at work, but said in evidence would have taken the day off if needed.

“The offender said he would’ve been present to assist Alou if he was asked to do so,” Justice Johnson said in court on Friday.

Justice Johnson also referred to Atai’s communications following Mr Cheng’s death.

Three days afterwards, Atai sent messages to a closed Whatsapp group called “The Bricks Forum” saying he believed Mohammad was a matyr.

“Allahu akbar the young brother had a smile on his face and his finger up,” he wrote in a message, referring to the salute which has become associated with Islamic State supporters.

Justice Johnson also referred to conversations Atai had with an undercover agent in early 2016 where he made admissions of guilt.

“He got what he deserved, he’s in that environment,” Atai was recorded saying, referring to Mr Cheng.

Justice Johnson said in that conversation he also suggested Mohammad was originally going to blow himself up with a bomb.

“Whether the offender was exaggerating in his reference to bombs is not clear … what is clear is the offender was speaking in terms that celebrated the terrorist act with no hint of remorse or humanity,” Justice Johnson said.

-ABC

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