A man suspected of filming and sharing a video of a burning effigy of Grenfell Tower has pleaded not guilty to two charges under the Communications Act 2003.
Paul Bussetti, from South Norwood in southeast London, denied one charge of sending a “grossly offensive” video on WhatsApp and causing footage of a “menacing character” to be uploaded on YouTube when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The clip, which prompted fierce criticism when it was posted online last year, showed a burning cardboard model of Grenfell Tower, in which 72 died following a devastating blaze in 2017.
In the video people can also be heard heard joking and laughing at a bonfire party.
Prosecuting lawyer Philip Stott said: “It is described as sent via WhatsApp. Whether the video is grossly offensive will be an issue.”
“A joke, no matter how offensive, it is not a crime,” Look-Chih Wang, the lawyer for the defence, told the court.
“It was communicated via Whatsapp. It cannot be considered a public communications network unlike Facebook or Instagram.”
Five other men were arrested and a seventh interviewed under caution over the video.
Mr Bussetti, who spoke only to confirm his details and enter his pleas, was released on unconditional bail.
The 46-year-old reportedly owns a block of flats worth £8m in Clapham, southeast London, along with his brother and sister, according to MailOnline.
Mr Bussetti’s trial will be held at the same court from 29 July.
Additional reporting by agencies
