A Brighton man is set to stand trial accused of threatening someone with a pointed stick.
Sohail Shahin, 32, represented himself at a hearing at Lewes Crown Court this afternoon but declined to enter a plea to the single charge of threatening a person with an offensive weapon. As a result, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The incident took place in Portland Road, Hove, on 10 May 2026. Shahin is alleged to have threatened Tony Pace, who runs a roofing company in the same road.
At today’s hearing, Shahin initially took part in discussions with Judge Amy Packham about trial admin, but after a short break declared he would only communicate in writing.
He later addressed Judge Packham to ask how to claim fees for attending court. Judge Packham told him no fees are available for defendants representing themselves, but if he is acquitted it may be possible for him to claim costs.
He also asked for reporting restrictions on the case, citing “ongoing legal matters he is not at liberty to discuss”. Judge Packham said as he was not giving any specific reason for requesting them, she had no power to make any.
A trial date was set for 13 March, 2028. Shahin, of Woodland Drive, Hove, was released on bail, with the conditions he does not contact directly or indirectly Tony Pace, Setareh Shahin, Havannah Shahin or Cuban Shahin, or to go to Portland Road between the junctions of Sackville Road and Rutland Road.
