Tony Mokbel Walks Free; Sydney Police Operation
Table of Contents
- Overview / context
- Mokbel appeal: who, what, where, when and why
- Accused officer's courtroom outburst
- Massive police operation in Panania
- UK synagogue attack declared terror incident
- Virgin Australia system outage briefly disrupts travellers
- Queensland committal over suspected tractor slasher death
- Australians detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Attribution
Overview / context
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Notorious gangland figure Tony Mokbel has walked free from court after partially succeeding in an appeal that challenged a series of drug trafficking convictions. The Court of Appeal delivered a mixed ruling: one conviction quashed, one upheld and one ordered for retrial, leaving Mokbel on bail with strict reporting conditions.
This article summarises the key developments reported by 9 News Australia, covering the Mokbel appeal and other major incidents around the country and overseas.
Mokbel appeal: who, what, where, when and why
Who: Tony Mokbel, a long‑standing figure in Melbourne’s organised crime scene, previously sentenced to 30 years for drug trafficking.
What: The Court of Appeal handed down three separate rulings — one conviction acquitted, one conviction to stand (with resentencing), and one conviction set aside for retrial.
Where and when: The ruling was delivered at the Victorian Court of Appeal in Melbourne after Mokbel had served about 18 years behind bars.
Why: Mokbel argued his pleas and convictions were tainted because his barrister had been Nicola Gobbo — the so‑called Lawyer X — who was secretly informing to police. He claimed he would not have pleaded guilty had he known his lawyer was also working with police, alleging a miscarriage of justice.
Accused officer's courtroom outburst
Who: Former police officer Bo Lamar Condon, accused of murdering two men in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
What: Condon interrupted his arraignment after pleading not guilty, saying he had previously offered the Office of the DPP a guilty plea to one count of manslaughter relating to Jesse Baird. He told the court he was remorseful and insisted any plea and comments be on transcript.
Where and when: The comments were made at the New South Wales Supreme Court ahead of a trial set for September next year. The trial is expected to run two to three months with hundreds of witnesses.
Why it matters: Condon also accused NSW Police of a corrupt investigation, opposed suppression orders, and signalled he will not seek a judge‑alone trial. The case has significant public interest given the accused's former role as an officer.
Massive police operation in Panania
Who: Tactical police units, snipers and helicopter crews were involved in a large operation targeting up to four suspects.
What: Officers swarmed a property in Panania after reports that four people had stormed a home, one reportedly armed with a gun. CCTV later showed the group had fled and police confirmed the house was empty.
Where and when: The operation unfolded in Sydney’s south‑west this morning and involved units from across the region including the Tactical Operations Unit and Central Coast police.
Why it mattered: The scale of the response prompted a childcare centre lockdown and saw local residents alarmed. Police continue to search the area and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
UK synagogue attack declared terror incident
Who: Counter‑terror police have named a suspect as 35‑year‑old Jihad al‑Shami, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
What: A car‑ramming and stabbing attack near a synagogue during Yom Kippur left two members of the Jewish community dead. Police shot the suspect dead; suspected explosive devices on his person were later declared non‑viable.
Where and when: The attack occurred near Manchester while worshippers were arriving for the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Three further arrests and property searches are part of the ongoing investigation.
Why: The attack has heightened fears in the Jewish community and prompted increased security at synagogues across the UK. Officials have warned the incident comes amid rising anti‑Semitic incidents in recent years.
Virgin Australia system outage briefly disrupts travellers
Who: Passengers at Sydney airports affected by a Virgin Australia system outage.
What: A check‑in system outage caused long queues and counter check‑ins this morning. Virgin Australia said the problem has been resolved and delays were limited to around 20 minutes.
Where and when: The disruption was felt at Sydney airport earlier today as travellers began departures for the day.
Why: System outages at major carriers can cause cascading travel delays and passenger inconvenience; airlines reported normalisation within the morning.
Queensland committal over suspected tractor slasher death
Who: Yet Winsor Singh faces committal proceedings accused of murdering his wife, Amarjit Kowasadar.
What: Singh says the death was accidental — that he ran over his wife with a tractor slasher — but prosecutors will present evidence about her injuries as magistrates decide whether the matter goes to trial.
Where and when: The committal proceedings are taking place in Queensland today with the matter moving through the magistrates’ court.
Why this is being watched: The tragic circumstances and the defendant’s account make the committal an important step in determining if a full trial is warranted.
Australians detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted
Who: Australian passengers and activists, including high‑profile figures, were aboard aid vessels intercepted by the Israeli Navy.
What: Australian officials in Tel Aviv have formally requested confirmation of any Australians detained and sought early consular access. Reports indicate several Australians were taken into custody when navy vessels boarded boats attempting to breach the naval blockade to Gaza.
Where and when: The interceptions took place on the Mediterranean Sea in recent days; detained Australians are understood to be in Israeli custody and protests erupted globally and in Australian cities.
Why: The federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged Australians not to attempt breaching blockades for safety reasons, while families of detained Australians seek urgent government assistance and reassurance.
Conclusion
Today’s bulletin ranged from a high‑profile appeal in Melbourne to national security and international incidents, highlighting how legal decisions, policing operations and international events can intersect and affect communities at home and abroad.
For ongoing coverage and video footage of these reports, the original broadcast is available from 9 News Australia.
FAQs
Why was Tony Mokbel released on bail after serving 18 years?
The Court of Appeal found sufficient grounds in relation to legal representation concerns — connected to Lawyer X (Nicola Gobbo) — to quash one conviction and order a retrial on another, resulting in Mokbel being granted bail with strict reporting conditions while proceedings continue.
What does a mixed Court of Appeal ruling mean?
A mixed ruling means judges reached different decisions for different charges: one conviction was overturned (acquitted), one was upheld and will be resentenced, and one was set aside and sent to retrial. Each outcome affects sentencing and next legal steps differently.
Are there safety concerns after the Panania operation?
Police confirmed the targeted house was empty and searches were ongoing. Residents were advised to stay vigilant and report information. Large‑scale deployments are precautionary to manage immediate threats and protect the public.
How is the Australian government responding to detained Australians after the flotilla interception?
DFAT has formally requested confirmation of any Australians detained and sought early consular access. Officials stress consular assistance will be provided and advise Australians against breaching naval blockades for safety reasons.
Attribution
This article is based on a video originally published by 7 News Australia. Watch the full video here Notorius gangland figure walks free; Massive police operation in Sydney | 9 News Australia
