The trial has begun for Sydney gangland leader Bilal Hamze, who was shot dead after leaving a restaurant in the city in 2021. His accused killer has pled not guilty.

Council of the City of Sydney

A Supreme Court trial in Sydney is underway for the murder of Bilal Hamzi, who was shot after leaving a restaurant in the city. The accused, Samuel John Rocco Marchesa, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the shooting, which prosecutors allege was a gangland hit linked to the Alameddine Organised Crime Network.

The court heard that Marchesa allegedly admitted involvement to a witness, claiming he was the getaway driver and was paid for his role. The prosecution also alleges that Marchesa discussed payments for other planned crimes. The trial is set to hear from over 100 witnesses, including those present in the city on the night of the murder. The case highlights ongoing violent feuds between organised crime families in Sydney.

Trial begins for murder of Sydney underworld boss

An underworld boss executed in the heart of Sydney's CBD after dining at an upmarket Japanese restaurant. 34-year-old Bilal Hamzi was shot after leaving the Kid Coyote restaurant on Bridge Street on the 17th of June 2021. The jury was told 10 shots were fired from the passenger seat of a black Audi which was lying in wait. Samuel John Rocco Marchesa was arrested and charged over the gangland hit. He has pleaded not guilty. Today the jury in his Supreme Court trial was told the accused has alleged links to the Alameddine Organised Crime Network. The Crown Prosecutor says Rocco Marchesa also made direct admissions to a witness while viewing a news story on Bilal Hamzi's death. The accused told him he and his cousin did the job and the accused was the driver and that he bragged about being a good driver and how he got away. Rocco Marchesa is alleged to have said he was on a payroll and was paid to be the driver of hits telling the same witness I'm owed 70,000 from just four weeks back plus another 200 grand for the thing. The Crown case is reference to the thing is the murder of Bilal Hamzi and that the other payment is in reference to a plan to murder his brother Ibrahim Hamzi who he is alleged to have watched for three weeks. The Crown argued there's no coincidence in the two events. The eight-week trial will hear from more than 100 witnesses including security guards and taxi drivers in the city on the night of the murder. The court heard Bilal had moved to Haymarket to avoid attempts on his life but the centre of the city still became the backdrop for a violent feud between families with a history of hostility. Sarah Navin, 10 News.

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Breakdown