The man accused of committing a series of hate crimes in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood is scheduled to return to court Thursday for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have charged 39-year-old Hans Haken with multiple offenses, including assault and homophobic vandalism, all alleged to be hate crimes. His defense is expected to be heard in court for the first time. The charges stem from an incident in May. According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, Haken allegedly vandalized the exterior wall of Chartreuse by Roje, a flower shop at Market and Church streets. Prosecutors said an unknown person threw eggs at Haken’s vehicle, angering him and prompting him to allegedly spray-paint a homophobic message on the shop’s exterior wall. A nearby resident noticed the vandalism and asked Haken to stop, prosecutors said. Investigators allege Haken yelled at the victim, pushed him and reversed his vehicle toward him and onto the curb. Prosecutors also allege Haken got out of his vehicle and punched the victim in the jaw before fleeing the scene. While driving away, Haken allegedly rear-ended a parked car occupied by a minor, who suffered minor injuries. Haken was arraigned in June and has remained in custody since then. The court is also expected to hear additional arguments regarding his custody during Thursday’s hearing. ...read more read less