Sydney gunman was a ‘self-obsessed fantasist’

Sydney gunman Man Monis was a self-obsessed fantasist who grew increasingly defiant as he edged closer to launching his deadly attack, an inquest has heard.

The man who took 18 people hostage at the Lindt cafe in December was educated and erratic, secretive about his own life and public about his many grievances, lawyers told the inquest investigating the circumstances of the siege.

Shotgun-wielding Monis took customers and workers captive and made a series of demands, including that he be delivered a flag of the Islamic State group. The stand-off ended when police stormed the cafe in a barrage of gunfire. Monis was killed, along with two hostages.