‘Do you like to burn?’: Restaurateur ‘blames fire on imaginary intruder’

A restaurateur accused of stabbing himself, killing his dog and lighting his Surry Hills eatery on fire was allegedly motivated by financial gain, a court heard today.

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A restaurateur accused of stabbing himself, killing his dog and lighting his Surry Hills eatery on fire was allegedly motivated by financial gain.

Angelo Ziotas hung his head low as he was denied bail in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday morning, a day after he was arrested over the bizarre blaze.

On the morning of July 4, a witness heard the 37-year-old calling for help from the Essenza Italian restaurant on Crown Street.

The witness, a delivery driver, climbed to the top floor and dragged Ziotas from the burning building.

Police now allege Ziotas was the man in dark clothing. Picture: NSW Police

The court heard on Saturday that Ziotas, who lived above the restaurant with his wife, was suffering two stab wounds and burns.

He told police that after his wife went to work that morning, he smelled smoke and “felt someone behind him”.

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He told police he heard a voice say “do you like to burn?” before he was stabbed twice in the back.

Prosecutor Ernest Chan told the court that Ziotas then claimed he passed out before he woke up and realised the building was on fire.

He called triple-0 and called out of the bathroom window for help.

Ziotas’ Kelpie Lexie died in the blaze.

While he recovered in hospital, detectives began to investigate the blaze and will allege Ziotas’ version of events didn’t stack up.

CCTV footage of a man at the back of the Surry Hills building. Source: NSW Police

CCTV from inside the restaurant showed a man, dressed in dark clothing with a hooded jumper covering his face, entering the property moments before the fire.

But investigators also found a tea light candles scattered throughout the building and clothing, including a glove, allegedly discarded by Ziotas.

“The investigation determined the incident was a fabrication by the accused,” Mr Chan told the court.

Police allege the offences were committed for financial gain.

Ziotas was arrested on Friday morning and charged with dishonestly for gain damage property by fire and recklessly kill animal.

Ziotas had to be rescued but his dog died in the fire. Picture: Anton Rose

His lawyer applied for bail, submitting her client would live with his brother, not go within five kilometres of Town Hall or adopt a dog.

However, Magistrate Paul Mulroney said no bail conditions could mitigate the risk of offending again.

“Setting a building on fire poses a great risk to the general community and the people that have to deal with it,” he said.

The prosecution case was strong and included the “impossibility of another person entering the building and committing the offence,” he added.

Outside court, Ziotas’ sister said she was devastated to learn her brother had been charged over the fire.

Ziotas’ bail was refused and the case was adjourned to next Tuesday.

Originally published as ‘Do you like to burn?’: Restaurateur ‘blames fire on imaginary intruder’