Rozelle shop owner due in court

police, police tape, police lineThe Sydney store owner accused of murdering three people in a deliberately lit fire started so he could claim insurance is due to appear in court.

Adeel Khan, 44, allegedly ignited the blast that destroyed his Rozelle convenience store on September 4, killing Bianka O’Brien, 31, her one year old boy, Jude, and neighbour Chris Noble, 27.

Police say documents found inside Khan’s Greenacre home show he was significantly behind on his bills at the time of the explosion and had last year increased the value of his store’s insurance from $175,000 to $225,000.

Khan allegedly told police he was the victim of an armed robbery, claiming three people had stolen thousands of dollars from him, tied his hands and covered his eyes, before pouring petrol on the shop floor.

He was originally due at court in October but has been in in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with serious injuries since the explosion.

The financially stressed shop owner is listed for mention at Central Local on Tuesday, charged with 25 offences including three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of manslaughter.

The charges also include 17 offences relating to property damage, including one of setting a fire for a financial gain.

AAP

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