New South Wales police gather outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's western suburb of Wakeley on 15 April, 2024, after several people were stabbed in the church premises. Photo: AFP / David Gray
The teenage boy arrested over last night's stabbing attack inside a Sydney church was placed on a good behaviour bond after facing court for a knife crime just three months ago.
ABC News has learned the identity of the 16-year-old boy, but has chosen not to publish his name.
The ABC can reveal the boy was charged with a range of offences, including possessing a knife, in November last year after an incident at a Sydney train station involving other teenage boys.
The boy was found in possession of a flick knife and charged with being armed with a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, stalking and/or intimidation and recklessly destroy or damage property.
He was on bail until his last court appearance in January, where his case was "proven" but dismissed with a good behaviour bond.
The ABC understands at the time of last night's attack he was no longer subject to any court orders or supervision by law enforcement.
Teenager hospitalised for finger injuries
Police previously said the 16-year-old was known to them but not "well-known".
He was arrested at the scene after being held down by members of the church, and was also hospitalised for finger injuries.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb declared the stabbing a "terrorist incident" early on Tuesday morning, in a move supported by ASIO.
"This is a major and serious criminal investigation, it is crucial that NSW Police are able to devote their resources and intelligence as well as officers to the investigation of this crime," Premier Chris Minns said.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel sustained lacerations to his head after being lunged at during a mass service at Assyrian Orthodox Church Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley that was being broadcast online.
The 53-year-old underwent surgery and a 39-year-old man also sustained cuts and a shoulder injury while attempting to intervene, NSW Police say.
Two police officers were injured after crowds who had assembled after the incident smashed police cars in violent scenes.
- This story was first published by the ABC