Family Court bombings: Accused 'inextricably linked' to murders and explosions

A man accused of four murders and a series of bombings in Sydney more than 30 years ago has been described as “inextricably linked” to the terrifying crimes.

Leonard John Warwick faced trial in the NSW Supreme Court today after pleading not guilty to the events, which took place in the 1980s. 

Crown Prosecutor Ken McKay alleged Mr Warwick was motivated by a bitter dispute with his estranged wife Andrea Blanchard for the family home and custody of a child.

He allegedly shot dead both Ms Blanchard’s brother Stephen and Justice David Opas, who presided over the case. 

In 1984, Justice Opas's replacement Justice Richard Gee was injured when a bomb went off at his Belrose home.

His successor Justice Ray Watson was also injured, and his wife Pearl was killed, in another explosion at their Greenwich home.

A bomb was also found wired to a car at the former Northmead property of Ms Blanchard’s solicitor. 

In 1985, one person was killed and 13 injured when another device detonated at the Jehovah’s Witness hall in Casula, where Ms Blanchard had sought help.

“The proceedings themselves inextricably link the accused to the offences and provide the foundation for the motivation,” Mr McKay said.

He also alleged the bricks used to weigh down Mr Blanchard’s body were similar to those found at Mr Warwick’s home and that he was familiar with explosives.

Mr McKay said Mr Warwick had made a comment about Justice Opas to his estranged wife during one court hearing, telling her “you won’t have to worry about him anymore because he won’t be there much longer.”

The judge-alone trial continues.