Qld: Accused terrorist wants to see girlfriend

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2006
Qld: Accused terrorist wants to see girlfriend

A high school teacher .. held in custody on terrorism charges .. has used his latest
court appearance to make a series of unusual requests of a Brisbane magistrate.

Among a dozen requests 40-year-old JOHN HOWARD AMUNDSEN made .. was for someone to
contact his estranged girlfriend on his behalf .. with a plea for help.

Chief Magistrate MARSHALL IRWIN said he had no power to assist with the request ..

but there's nothing legally stopping AMUNDSEN from contacting the woman on his own.

AMUNDSEN has taken the unusual step of representing himself in court after sacking
his fourth legal team last week.

He also asked the court to appoint a helper to assist his preparations for the case
.. and to be given the authority to interview 12 prosecution witnesses.

The magistrate said he couldn't authorise either request .. and told AMUNDSEN it's
up to him to make his own arrangements.

He also rejected AMUNDSEN'S call for a witness against him to be held in protective
custody because he fears family members would pressure them to change their evidence.

The magistrate suggested AMUNDSEN refer his concerns to police.

He was arrested in March .. after police found 53 kg of explosives at his home at Aspley
.. in Brisbane's north.

He's charged with using false documents to obtain explosives .. and preparing to commit
an act of terrorism.

AAP RTV ews/sc/wf/bart

KEYWORD: AMUNDSEN (BRISBANE)

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