Luke Sparos pleads not guilty to attempted murder of Samer Marcus at Denham Court

A man accused of shooting a gang member in an attempted murder that left him paralysed says he will fight the allegations and declared ‘I am very confident I will beat these charges’.

Prosecutors claim Luke John Sparos shot a senior gang member in an attempted murder at Denham Court but he will fight the allegations in court.

Mr Sparos appeared before Judge Andrew Colefax at Campbelltown District Court via video link on Thursday to formally enter his pleas to two charges and fix a date for trial.

He also dismissed his legal counsel during court proceedings and accused the prosecution of having “railroaded” him.

He pleaded not guilty to shooting with the intent to kill Marcus Samer, a senior leader of gang DLASTHR - The Last Hour, who became a quadriplegic after the incident in the driveway of his Campbelltown Rd house on November 6, 2020.

Samer Marcus was allegedly shot outside his home on Campbelltown Rd at Denham Court.

He also pleaded guilty to destroying a phone with the intent to pervert the course of justice in May 2021.

Director of Public Prosecutions’ Dion Carnell told the court it had a trial estimate of three to four weeks if Mr Sparos had legal representation.

Mr Sparos’ barrister David Carroll said the defence only had about two weeks and was “seeking a trial date as soon as possible”.

Justice Colefax said he planned to move the matter to the Downing Centre, citing security concerns around the alleged victim, Mr Samer.

“The complainant will give evidence via AVL,” Mr Carroll responded.

“He is a quadriplegic … [there is] no prospect at all that Mr Marcus will be required to move … that security concern is not a concern … that is not a further reason to delay the trial.”

Justice Colefax said that Campbelltown District Court would only accommodate trials to run up to two weeks and anything longer would need to be transferred.

Police and forensic officers at Campbelltown Rd, Denham Court, after the alleged shooting. Picture: Julian Andrews

Mr Sparos then interrupted court proceedings to say “if he’s [Mr Carnell] saying it’s four weeks if I am represented then I am unrepresented,” and dismissed his counsel.

“I want to get my case over and done with,” he said.

Mr Carnell said that while Mr Samer would appear via video link, it was not the only security concern the DPP had.

He added if Mr Sparos was to represent himself then it would lengthen the trial for a week.

Mr Sparos questioned what the nature of the security threats were.

Raptor Squad arrest Luke John Sparos in May 2021.

“The security threat is not from me,” he said.

“I am not guilty and I am very confident that I will beat these charges.

“This is nonsense, this is a ruse by the Crown to delay the trial to next year. It’s unfair.”

Justice Colefax transferred the trial to the Downing Centre because of its possible length and security concerns raised by the court sheriff.

Mr Carnell said there was a possibility of an earlier trial date at Parramatta, but the court would need to be contacted first.

Raptor Squad charged Mr Sparos over the alleged attempted murder.

Mr Sparos said: “I wanted a speedy trial to get it over and done with just in case the complainant passes away and I am at a disadvantage … but I am just getting derailed”.

The matter will next be heard at the Downing Centre Court on March 25. Mr Sparos remains in custody.