A lawyer representing a self-styled Muslim sheikh accused of being an accessory to the stabbing death of a woman in Sydney says his client will vigorously defend the charges.Man Haron Monis, alias Sheikh Haron, had previously sent offensive letters to the families of dead Australian soldiers. He is now charged with being an accessory to the murder of Noleen Hayson Pal, who was allegedly stabbed and set on fire in an apartment in April. Amira Duris has been charged with the woman's murder.
Lawyer Manny Conditsos says the pair intend to plead not guilty. He said, "They strongly protest their innocence. In my view, having some knowledge of the prosecution case, it certainly appears to be entirely circumstantial and a weak Crown case."