Celeste Manno murder case: Accused killer Luay Sako declines to appear in court

The mother of a Melbourne woman who was allegedly murdered by a co-worker has asked a question in court about the accused killer.

The mother of Melbourne woman Celeste Manno, who was allegedly murdered by a co-worker has asked a magistrate why her daughter’s accused killer had chosen not to appear in court.

Luay Sako is charged with the murder of the 23-year-old woman at her Mernda home in the early hours of November 16 last year.

The 36-year-old Roxburgh Park man was due to appear at a committal mention hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday before a prison officer apologised for the delay and explained he had “refused” to be present.

Celeste Manno was allegedly murdered while she was sleeping in her bedroom in November 2020.

Ms Manno’s mum Aggie Di Mauro, who was present at the hearing, then asked the magistrate about why Mr Sako could refuse to attend.

“You can imagine how I would see this as very cowardly act for him to not attend his own hearing,” Ms Di Mauro told the magistrate.

Aggie Di Mauro with her daughter Celeste Manno, who was allegedly murdered in her Melton home. Picture: Supplied

“Because this matter is being adjourned, and because he‘s represented, it’s not in anyone’s interest for him to be dragged in cuffs to the room to be told the matter is being adjourned,” magistrate Donna Bakos explained.

Mr Sako and Ms Manno worked together at a call centre, and police allege he stalked her for a year before her death.

The court previously heard he was not on medication and had no known mental health issues.

The matter was adjourned until September because of delays in receiving reports and assessments.