Prominent Young Liberal charged with ‘glassing’ fellow party member in Adelaide pub brawl

Two Young Liberal party members became embroiled in a heated argument at an Adelaide pub that left one injured and the other facing assault charges.

Young Liberal Benedict Kusay who was allegedly glassed at conference in Adelaide on Friday night.

A Young Liberal students’ conference in Adelaide erupted in violence, leaving one member with head injuries and another being charged over an alleged “glassing” assault.

Melbourne entrepreneur Benedict Kusay, 24, above, spent a night in the Royal Adelaide Hospital and required head staples after an altercation at the Elephant British Pub, off Rundle St, on Friday.

Police yesterday charged Australian Liberal Students Federation past president Xavier Boffa, 23, with assault amid allegations he “glassed” Mr Kusay with a tumbler.

 

Xavier Boffa pictured at a Melbourne University Liberal Club orientation week stall in 2016. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Boffa, a law student and also a former Melbourne University Liberal Club president, on Saturday night vowed to fight the charges in court.

Witnesses told the Sunday Mail how the pair became embroiled in a heated row just after 11.30pm inside the pub where up to 40 young Liberal colleagues had converged while attending Adelaide for a student conference hosted by the party.

Police are investigating the disputed version of events.

Mr Boffa’s friends claimed he had a drink thrown over him and he had reacted in self defence before leaving the pub voluntarily.

Police will allege Mr Boffa threw a glass at his alleged victim’s head, leaving Mr Kusay, who is also a Melbourne University Liberal Club member, with head injuries.

Officers on Saturday released Mr Boffa on bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court next month.

 

 

Young Liberal Benedict Kusay’s alleged injuries. Picture: supplied

He is said to have needed three staples to his head. Picture: Supplied

In a statement to the Sunday Mail on Saturday night, Mr Kusay said: “I hope that the police are able to deal with this, and I trust that the party also draws a clear line in the sand.”

Mr Boffa denied any wrongdoing.

“I entirely reject Benedict Kusay’s version of events and am confident that a full investigation will clear me of any wrongdoing,” he said.

“I first learned about these allegations (yesterday) afternoon and voluntarily met with police for an interview to put my side of the story.

“I intend to continue to co-operate fully with authorities and will seek advice on the release of all available CCTV footage.”

An SA Police spokesman said a Victorian man was arrested “following an incident involving a glass at an Adelaide hotel”.

 

Young Liberal and alleged assault victim Benedict Kusay. Photo Instagram