(AAP) A Melbourne pensioner sent thousands of dollars to an American fighting for Islamic State in Syria, but his lawyers say he was “groomed” after the death of his son.
Hampton Park man Isa Kocoglu admitted sending more than $2700 in total to John Georgelas while the American was fighting in Syria in 2014.
The 45-year-old contacted Georgelas, also known as Yahya al-Bahrumi, after one of his twin sons died, defence lawyer Rishi Nathwani told the County Court at an earlier hearing.
“He was groomed by Georgelas … he became infatuated with him,” Mr Nathwani said.
Georgelas, reportedly one of Islamic State’s top producers of English-language propaganda, manipulated the “generous” family man, according to Mr Nathwani.
