Customer allegedly lit ute on fire during car dealership hammer rampage
A man has faced court after allegedly lighting a car dealership on fire, destroying a ute and chasing staff with a hammer.
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A man will undergo a mental health evaluation after allegedly lighting a car dealership on fire and chasing staff around the showroom with a hammer in Sydney’s west.
Sadlier man Jim Kelly, 69, faced Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday after being hit with a raft of charges following the alleged rampage, in which he also burnt a ute to the ground.
Court documents obtained by news.com.au reveal he was charged with assaulting three men at the MG Motor Dealership in Granville on Tuesday morning.
He was also charged with “intentionally or recklessly” damaging the floor tiles of the dealership as well as the ute.
Mr Kelly is also facing three counts of using an “offensive weapon” with the intent of committing an indictable offence.
According to a witness, Mr Kelly became disgruntled after being told by a staff member he would have to pay for his second car service.
The incident occurred at the dealership on Church St just before 10am.
“He got a hammer out of his bag and he hit the front counter,” the witness told Nine News.
“My partner who was with me nearly got hit with the hammer.”
Police will allege he poured petrol in the showroom floor before igniting it with the fire extinguished by staff members.
A woman was treated for minor smoke inhalation by paramedics.
In court on Wednesday, non-for-profit service Legal Aid requested Mr Kelly be taken to a mental health facility for assessment.
No pleas were entered and Mr Kelly did not apply for bail.
He will return to Parramatta Local Court at a later date following the mental health evaluation.
Originally published as Customer allegedly lit ute on fire during car dealership hammer rampage
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