Hussein Kassem has pleaded not guilty after allegedly throwing a molotov cocktail into a Crown Casino restaurant
A man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail into a restaurant in Crown Casino has faced court.
Melbourne City
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A man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail into a restaurant at the Crown precinct has pleaded not guilty in a Melbourne court.
Hussein Kassem, 39, fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 10 via video-link, facing three indictable charges, including reckless conduct and arson charges.
Kassem pleaded not guilty to all charges as defence counsel indicated they would be seeking a plea of mental impairment.
“Mr Kassem sustained very serious injuries following a car accident in 2006,” lawyer George Defteros said.
“He has since been diagnosed and suffering from schizophrenia.”
Kassem allegedly used a Jack Daniel’s bottle wrapped in a T-shirt to set fire to Bistro Guillaume in September 2022.
The court has previously heard the accused was banned from Crown on September 21, prior to the alleged incident, for allegedly making sexual remarks to a waitress.
The court heard that material supporting the mental impairment claim had not yet been submitted.
Mr Defteros said due to communication issues, they had not yet obtained the relevant documents.
Magistrate Olivia Trumble accepted Kassem’s plea of not guilty, and implored him to remain in contact with his lawyers.
“It’s really important that you stay in contact with your lawyers and that you have representation in this matter,” she said.
“Mr Defteros has indicated to the court that it’s possible that you may have a defence of mental impairment available to you. There is material that needs to be gathered in that regard first before you can rely on that defence.”
“That’s not going to happen unless your represented.”
Kassem is set to stand trial in the County Court on March 14.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
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