Print PageA man accused of carrying out a Kings Cross strip club shooting was "highly regarded" by the club workers, a Sydney jury has heard.
Ricky Anthony Ciano, 31, was a regular client at the Bada Bing strip club and no one there ever had an issue with him, club manager Jonathon Turcotte told the District Court in Sydney on Thursday.
Ciano has pleaded not guilty to wounding Amer Tashman with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the nightclub on April 9 last year.
He has also pleaded not guilty to using a pistol without a licence.
The crown has alleged Ciano shot Mr Tashman in the shoulder after both men were involved in a fight in the busy club.
No-one in the club said they witnessed the shooting, although some patrons reported hearing a shot.
Defence barrister Graham Turnbull SC has asserted Ciano was not the shooter and a "host of people" were involved in the scuffle.
Mr Turcotte told the court Ciano was a regular at Bada Bing and well-known there.
"He was highly regarded?" Mr Turnbull asked.
"Yes," Mr Turcotte replied.
"You never had an issue with him, ever?" Mr Turnbull asked.
"No," Mr Turcotte said. "He spends a lot of money there. The girls like him. We all like him."
The trial continues before Judge Colin Carteris.
