A man who went on a violent rampage in Sydney's CBD after murdering a vulnerable woman in a "cruel, brutal attack" has been jailed for at least 33 years.
Mert Ney pleaded guilty to the stabbing murder of escort Michaela Dunn, 24, in a Clarence Street apartment on 13 August 2019.
The 23-year-old also admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for stabbing Lin Bo during his frightening rampage.
In the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Peter Johnson jailed him for 44 years with non-parole period of 33 years.
He found Ney was a dangerous man who had had gone into the city to murder a young woman, to use violence and to terrify people.
Although he had yelled "Allahu Akbar" on the street and delivered the Islamic State salute, the judge found he was not a religious zealot and the crimes did not relate to terrorism.
Because of Ney's mental health issues, he rejected the Crown's submission that he should be jailed for the rest of his life.
Speaking outside the court on Friday, Michaela's sister, Emily Dunn, thanked the community for their support, adding that violence against women must end.
"Regardless of the sentence that was handed down today, nothing is going to bring Micky [Michaela] back," she said.
"There would have been so many opportunities to stop the crimes, the murders of the 62 other women who died at the hands of men - in the year that Micky died."
Emily said the family would be doing their best to move forward.
Mert Ney who murdered a sex worker in Sydney's CBD and stabbed another woman during a violent rampage has been jailed for at least 33 years. Source: AAP
"We're trying really hard to leave that frustration behind and attempt to craft our future in a way that honours Micky."
She thanked members of the public who helped to apprehend Ney as he carried his weapon into the CBD streets.
"I would like to thank the people who stopped a killer in his tracks on the street and showed such bravery and compassion to their fellow people."
Detective Acting Superintendent of the Homicide Squad Joe Doueihi said the actions of members of the public who used a milk crate and other items to separate the weapon from Ney were courageous.
"In particular, I want to make mention of all those individuals that assisted on the day this matter occurred with apprehension and detention of Mert Ney.
"Their actions were truly heroic, brave and courageous. They showed a true sign of community spirit."
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at Beyondblue.org.au. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
