Galea, who has been linked to far-right groups, allegedly carried out reconnaissance of a target and met with an associate to discuss plans to attack two locations

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

A Victorian anti-Islam extremist conducted surveillance of “leftwing” premises where he planned to launch deadly bombing attacks, police allege.

“Loss of life to persons possessing leftwing ideologies was the focus of the attack,” they said of 31-year-old Phillip Michael Galea.

Galea 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.

He was remanded in custody after facing Melbourne magistrates court on Monday, when documents outlining police allegations were released.

Investigators say Galea has been 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.

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.”

The documents do not name specific targets.

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’s lawyer, Allan McMonnies, requested an adjournment of the case on Monday after telling the court his client had been moved last week to Thomas Embling hospital, a high-security mental health facility.

He was moved there for treatment after being assessed by a psychiatrist at a remand prison, the court heard. “Thomas Embling has indicated to us he is not well enough to attend court,” McMonnies said.

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.

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.