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A Malaysian man told a security guard he was a "terrorist" during a scare that prompted the evacuation of parts of Melbourne's Crown Casino, a court has heard.
Nadim Ismail, 55, appeared in court today charged with making threats to kill, making false reports to police and making false statements.
The first floor of the casino was evacuated yesterday afternoon after reports that a man with a backpack was acting suspiciously.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard Mr Ismail, who has a Pakistani background, became agitated when asked by casino staff not to leave his bag unattended.
When approached by security guards, Mr Ismail said he was "a Pakistani terrorist", the court heard.
Staff were also concerned about a "green plasticine substance" seen in Mr Ismail's bag, which was later found to be a package of tobacco.
The court heard Mr Ismail arrived in Australia last month on a student visa, with the hopes of finding a job, but has been living on the streets since.
Mr Ismail's visa has been cancelled and he will be held in a secure immigration facility until he returns to court in March.
The magistrate said Mr Ismail made stupid and inflammatory remarks but was unlikely to be a terrorist.
Topics: crime, law-crime-and-justice, melbourne-3000, vic, australia
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