The inquest into last month’s Sydney siege has heard the tragic details of the final moments of hostages Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.

Announcing the inquest last month, NSW Police Minister Stuart Ayres said it would help the public understand exactly what happened. “It will allow us to get better at what we do.”

Counsel assisting the inquest, Jeremy Gormly SC, said the investigation was “intensely detailed and broad” and would look at the life of the gunman, the events during the siege, its termination and aftermath. “The siege involved a large number of hostages – they are articulate, cooperative and demonstrate a good recollection of events.”

Members of the Johnson family attended the hearing, and I can only imagine how particularly chilling it might have been for them to hear that the gunman entered the cafe just after 8:30 am, ate chocolate cake and drank tea before moving to a rear table where he had a fuller view of the café.

State coroner Michael Barnes offered condolences to the family and friends of those who died in the siege. “Rarely have such horrifying events … unfolded so publicly.”

Horrifying indeed. Hopefully, the inquest will answer the many questions still on everyone’s minds.