A man who took part in a violent uprising at a western Sydney church has swung his arms and spat at journalists outside court.
Issa Haddad gestured both his middle fingers at waiting camera crews as he stepped out of Fairfield Local Court today.
He admitted taking part in the riot and his case was adjourned for sentencing.
The 28-year-old covered his face with a black hoodie as he left court, before tripping over uneven paving and toppling onto the ground.
Haddad yelled at reporters to leave him alone, while he told a police officer who tried to help him up to “f— off”.
A woman who was in court to support Haddad was also pushed away as he told her to leave him alone.
Haddad then turned towards one journalist and swung his arms in the man’s direction, missing as the reporter dodged.
He also spat in the direction of one photographer before he was arrested and taken to Fairfield police station.
He has pleaded guilty to threatening violence to cause fear during a riot outside the Christ the Good Shepherd in Wakeley.
Haddad participated in the April 15 public-order incident and was later identified in video footage by his distinctive tattoos.
He was previously diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, according to court documents.
The riot, which involved some 2000 people, followed the stabbing of Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and priest Isaac Royel during a live-streamed service.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence over the stabbing, which police allege was religiously motivated.
Following the attack, a crowd swelled outside the church as members of the congregation pinned down the attacker inside.
Dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised and some officers and paramedics were forced to shelter inside the place of worship before the 16-year-old could be safely taken away.
At least 14 people have been charged over their alleged roles in the riot and police have issued images of nine other suspects wanted for questioning.
