Fact sheets https://victimsandwitnesses.cdpp.gov.au/going-court/more-information/fact-sheets
Entitlements and claims https://victimsandwitnesses.cdpp.gov.au/support-and-entitlements/support-and-entitlements/entitlements-and-claims If you receive a summons or
Right of Review Policy for Victims of Crime https://victimsandwitnesses.cdpp.gov.au/prosecution-process/prosecution-process/right-review-policy-victims-crime The CDPP’s Right of Review Policy for Victims of Crime sets out the circums
Contact Us https://victimsandwitnesses.cdpp.gov.au/support-and-entitlements/more-information/contact-us Witness Assistance Service
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy https://victimsandwitnesses.cdpp.gov.au/your-role-and-prosecution/more-information/child-safety-and-wellbeing-policy CDPP Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

First mention

On 17 December 2025, Naveed Akram (the defendant) appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court for the first time in relation to this matter. In NSW, a defendant must be brought before a court as soon as practicable after they are arrested and charged with an offence.

The purpose of the first mention of the matter was so that orders could be made for the service of the brief of evidence. Those orders were made for the brief to be served by 8 April 2026. The proceedings were also adjourned to that date, 8 April 2026. On this date, the parties will attend and inform the Court as to the progress of the preparation of the brief.

The defendant did not apply for bail at the first mention. Accordingly, the Court formally refused bail, which means that the defendant is being held on remand (ie, in custody) as the matter progresses. If the defendant applies for bail, you will be consulted in accordance with the CDPP’s Victims of Crime Policy.

Interim suppression order

At the first mention, the CDPP also applied to the Court for a suppression order that would apply to the Statement of Facts. The Statement of Facts is a document that is prepared by the police and sets out the facts and supporting evidence  relevant to the charges. The order was sought by the CDPP on behalf of the police and made by the Court on the ground that it was necessary to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice noting that the police investigation was ongoing.

The order was sought on an interim basis, until 22 December 2025. This meant that the Statement of Facts in this matter could not be released to anybody other than the Court, the police, the CDPP and the defendant’s legal representatives. The time during which the suppression order applied allowed police to assess any risk to the investigation if the Statement of Facts was available to the public, including via the media. This interim order was revoked on 22 December 2025, and was no longer in force from this date.