Australian far-right terrorist with Maltese surname wanted to bomb leftwing premises

An anti-Islam extremist conducted surveillance of “leftwing” premises where he planned to launch deadly bombing attacks, police have told magistrates in Melbourne, Australia.

“Loss of life to persons possessing leftwing ideologies was the focus of the attack,” they said of 31-year-old Phillip Michael Galea, who is also accused of trying to recruit others to help carry out his plans.

He is charged with two terrorism-related offences over his alleged activities between September 2015 and early August this year. Galea is charged with collecting or making documents to prepare for terrorist acts between November 2015 and early August 2016, and carrying out acts in preparation for a terrorist act between September 2015 and early August this year.

Investigators say Galea is linked to the far-right groups Reclaim Australia, United Patriots Front, Patriots Defence League Australia, the True Blue Crew and a “neo-Nazi, self-confessed militant group” called Combat 18.

He allegedly ordered ingredients for smoke bombs last year, and mercury – which has explosive properties – was found at his Braybrook home in November.

The Guardian reported that video footage seized in the same raid shows Galea carrying out reconnaissance of a target, the documents allege. Police say he met with an associate in April this year and discussed plans to attack two locations associated with the political left.

“Galea outlined his intentions were to cause as much devastation to these locations as possible in a team coordinated attack, using smoke bombs and improvised explosive devices,” police allege in the documents.

“Galea’s plans were to recruit at least five other capable persons to assist with his plan.”

Galea is accused of researching homemade bombs, ballistic armour and guns. He was also allegedly preparing a “Patriot’s Cookbook” based on The Anarchist Cookbook and his own research.

Galea was moved last week to Thomas Embling hospital, a high-security mental health facility, for treatment after being assessed by a psychiatrist at a remand prison, the court heard.

While his layer said Galea is not well enough to attend court, Galea, who appeared via videolink, spoke out after his lawyer: “I am not, and have never been, suffering from any form of mental illness,” the accused said.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until 19 December.