Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has had domestic violence charges against him withdrawn, declaring himself a “free man” after appearing in court in Sydney.
Al Ahmed, who gained national attention after wrestling gunman Sajid Akram during the alleged terror attack at Bondi Beach last December, was charge with common assault and stalking or intimidation in relation to his father in June.
The charges were formally withdrawn on Wednesday, with Al Ahmed has agreeing, without any admission, to a 12-month apprehended violence order preventing him from assaulting or stalking his father.
He waved and gave a thumbs up to reporters waiting outside court before speaking about the outcome.
“I’m a free man and I will be always a free man,” he said.
“Thank you guys, beautiful day, amazing sunshine.
“Thank you and God bless Australia.”
A bystander thanked him and said “you’re the hero” as he spoke to reporters.
His lawyer, Mohamad Sakr, declined to discuss his client’s family relationships, with Al Ahmed saying he hoped for “peace”
His two younger brothers remain before the courts after pleading not guilty to allegations they used a carriage service to menace, harass or offend him.
Al Ahmed also revealed he may need further surgery for injuries he suffered during the Bondi attack. He was wearing a compression arm band during court and said he was continuing physiotherapy.
“I’m still suffering from the pain … I’m still in physiotherapy,” he said.
“What I have from the accident, from the shooting, (is) still in my heart and in my body.
“I have learned from the specialist … maybe I’m gonna end up in another operation.”
He said doctors were considering a muscle or nerve transfer, adding: “We have to keep trying”.
Al Ahmed previously described the charges as “untrue” in an interview with 2GB, saying that he has “never been violent”.
“I’m an honest, innocent, honourable guy,” he told the radio station at the time.
“I don’t deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance in life. I’m honest, innocent and a normal guy and it’s good for people to know I’ve never been a violent guy.”
Al Ahmed became widely known after footage emerged following the December attack showing him wrestling a gun from alleged gunman Sajid Akram.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police, while his son, Naveed Akram, faces 79 charges relating to the alleged terror attack and has not yet entered any pleas.
Image: Instagram
