Celeste Manno’s confessed killer takes issue with claims over number of stab wounds inflicted

The man who confessed to killing Celeste Manno has told a court he “only inflicted two wounds” on his ex-colleague after smashing through her bedroom window, despite claims he caused 23 injuries.

Celeste Manno’s confessed stalker killer has told a court he attacked his former colleague but has taken issue with the number of injuries prosecutors say he caused.

Luay Sako, who pleaded guilty to murdering the young woman after smashing through her bedroom window, has dumped another lawyer and will represent himself at a three-day pre-sentencing hearing next week.

He told a Supreme Court judge on Monday that he disputed a pathology report and allegations about how many stab wounds prosecutors say he caused.

“The issue I’m raising is the allegation I’d inflicted 23 wounds when I know and believe I’d only inflicted two wounds,” the murderer said, who went on to claim the other 21 injuries “could only have been inflicted by glass”.

“That’s what I’m contesting,” he said.

Celeste Manno was killed at her family home in Mernda in November 2020.

Justice Jane Dixon said the Crown “certainly takes issue” with a claim he only caused two injuries.

Dumped legal aid defence barrister Tim Marsh told the court he had “grave concerns” about whether Sako could adequately represent himself, and that he may not have turned his mind to sentencing issues that were important to the court.

“This is a very serious matter and the range of sentences that could be imposed … are amongst the highest the court could be contemplating,” Mr Marsh said.

The experienced lawyer said his “specific concerns” were on issues of Sako’s prospects of rehabilitation and the necessity to protect the community.

Despite being dumped, Mr Marsh left the door open to assist Sako, who had been found fit to stand trial.

Luay Sako pleaded guilty to murdering his former colleague Celeste Manno. Picture: Ian Currie

Sako told the court one of the reasons he had chosen to represent himself for the second time was that he felt he’d been “undermined”.

The latest issue follows years of flip-flops, sacked lawyers — including of top defence lawyer Sam Norton — and delays that have caused distress for the family of Ms Manno.

The 23-year-old was killed where she slept in her Mernda home in November 2020 after he broke through her bedroom window.

She had taken an intervention order out against Sako, who had been bombarding her with messages.

Ms Manno’s mistake was being kind to her Serco call centre colleague when he was fired from his job.

Sako pleaded guilty to her murder in April, 2023.

The pre-sentencing hearing is due to begin on January 29.