A man accused of filming a burning model of Grenfell Tower that provoked outrage when it was shared online has pleaded not guilty to two charges.
Paul Bussetti, 46, from South Norwood, south-east London, denied sending a “grossly offensive” video on WhatsApp and causing footage of a “menacing character” to be uploaded on YouTube.
Bussetti, who was wearing a dark grey suit, contested both counts under the Communications Act 2003 when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The video of a cardboard model of Grenfell Tower being burnt at a bonfire party in south-east London prompted fierce criticism when it was posted online last year.
The blaze at the block of flats in west London on June 14 2017 killed 72 people.
The youngest victim was Logan Gomes, who was stillborn after his mother escaped the fire.
Six men were arrested and a seventh interviewed under caution over the video.
Bussetti, who spoke only to confirm his particulars and enter his pleas, was released on unconditional bail.
The defendant, of Sundial Avenue, will go on trial at the same court on July 29.
