1st Ld-Writethru: Sydney siege victim killed by police bullet fragments: inquest

One of the two hostages killed during last month's Sydney siege died after being struck by ricocheting police bullet fragments, an inquest into the event has heard on Thursday.

Katrina Dawson, 38, passed away after being hit by six fragments of a police bullet or bullets, while Tori Johnson, 34, was shot and killed without warning by gunman Man Haron Monis.

Two members of the Police Force's Tactical Operations Unit then fired a total of 22 bullets at Monis, who died as a result.

The disclosure of such details followed an inquest into the 16- hour hostage situation that occurred within a cafe in Sydney's CBD in December last year, which began on Thursday at the New South Wales Coroner's Court.

Counsel assisting the Coroner, Jeremy Gormley SC, told the inquest that Johnson was forced to kneel on the floor by Monis.

"After a short lapse of time, Mr. Monis simply shot him without further notice or warning in the back of the head," Gormley revealed. "The end of the barrel was about 75 centimeters from Mr. Johnson's head at the moment of discharge."

A specialist officer witnessed the execution and ordered an immediate forced entry of the cafe.

"Ms Dawson was struck by six fragments of a police bullet or bullets, which ricocheted from hard surfaces into her body," Gormley continued. "One bullet struck a major blood vessel, she lost consciousness and died shortly afterwards."

Monis had fired a pump-action shotgun, after he smuggled into the cafe earlier in the day, five times throughout the shootout.

"No shot fired by Mr. Monis, other than the one that struck and killed Mr. Johnson, struck anyone," Gormley said.

The court had earlier heard that Monis entered the cafe on the morning of Dec. 16 and ordered a dessert, before forcing Johnson, the cafe's manager, to lock the doors.

He then told the 18 people inside: "This is an attack, I have a bomb."

Monis then made Johnson dial emergency services and tell them that Australia was under attack from Islamic State.

The inquest will run over the coming months and will aim to reveal security concerns involving how Monis was able to access a gun and why he was granted bail, despite facing charges involving the murder of his ex-wife and several sexual offenses.

An independent review, coordinated by members of the British police, will run alongside the inquest to determine the police response to the incident.

"Questions concerning the use of police marksmen, whether to wait or act immediately, have been discussed in public," Gormley said. "I anticipate evidence on all of these matters."

"If there were defects in the management of the siege, they will be exposed," said Gormley. Endi