‘Not guilty’: Celeste Manno murder accused set to go on trial

The man accused of murdering 23-year-old Celeste Manno while she slept has pleaded not guilty in court today.

The man accused of killing Celeste Manno in her home while she slept has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Luay Sako appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court from custody on Monday when he formally entered a plea of not guilty.

But his lawyer Sam Norton said the case was an “incredibly difficult and complex matter” that could be affected by medical evidence.

He said he was hopeful the court case would “resolve”.

Celeste Manno was allegedly murdered by her stalker while sleeping in her bedroom in November. Picture: Supplied

Luay Sako, 36, allegedly stalked and killed Celeste Manno in her home in Mernda. Picture: Supplied

Ms Manno was 23 when she was killed on November 16.

Mr Sako is accused of breaking into her bedroom and stabbing her to death while she slept.

Her mother was sleeping in another room of their Mernda home.

The 36-year-old worked with the young woman at a call centre and police will alleged he formed an obsession with her, harassing her for months online before her death.

Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy initiated a review of police handling of stalking following Ms Manno’s death.