Trial hears accused told police he wasn’t ‘avoiding them’ in three-minute call before he turned himself in after allegedly murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

A police officer accused of a double murder told police he was not avoiding them despite vanishing for days after the incident, a Sydney court has heard.

The court heard police attempted to contact Beau Lamarre-Condon after the alleged murders, with a colleague messaging him on Instagram: “Hey hun … can you please contact the crime manager at eastern suburbs asap when you get a chance?”

Continue reading...

© Photograph: NSW police

© Photograph: NSW police

© Photograph: NSW police

Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 78 offences after allegedly committing a terrorist act. The case has been adjourned until February

• Follow our Australian politics live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The criminal case against Naveed Akram for his alleged role in the Bondi terror attack faces more delays after an “unprecedented” investigation by the joint counter-terrorism team.

The matter will not return to court until 24 February after it was adjourned on Wednesday before Sydney’s Downing Centre local court. Prosecutors expect to be ready to certify the charges against Akram, who is yet to enter a plea, by that date.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Rocco Fazzari/AAP

© Photograph: Rocco Fazzari/AAP

© Photograph: Rocco Fazzari/AAP

Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old mother of one, was dragged underwater by a shark at Coogee Beach on the morning of June 13 as it plunged its teeth into her arms and thigh.