'We were concerned that this man got bail from the beginning': Police tried to keep Sydney gunman in jail

The NSW Police Commissioner says he was “concerned” self-professed Sheik Man Haron Monis managed to repeatedly make bail despite the severity of his offences in the lead up to this week’s Martin Place siege.

Monis, 50, was on bail facing charges of sexual assault and being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife when he took hostages at the Martin Place Lindt café on Monday morning.

Addressing the media in front of the Martin Place floral memorial alongside NSW Premier Mike Baird this afternoon, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said police had applied to revoke Monis’ bail to keep him inside prison.

“We were concerned that this man got bail from the beginning,” he said.

“We can but apply and seek to get offenders out of circulation… but it’s a matter for the courts.”

He stressed that Monis had not been charged with terror or “politically motivated” offences but was instead on bail over sexual assault and murder accessory charges.

Mr Scipione again praised the officers involved in this week’s siege, including the tactical team that stormed the Lindt café.

He said he had received “hundreds of emails” and calls from law enforcement agencies around the world, including the head of the New York Police Department and Interpol.

“We had the very best on the job,” he said.

“These guys do this every day of the week ... when you put a team like this together, you put together the very best.”

One officer, a sergeant, was struck by several shotgun pellets in the face as police breached the building.

Mr Scipione said the officer was recovering well and had recently met Australian Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said he had been overwhelmed by the expressions of support and solidarity since the siege ended.

“The city, this state is saying ‘we’ve come through the test’,” he said.

“We have an incredible state.