George Lavrentiadis on trial after allegedly demolishing Fleurieu Peninsula shack with million-dollar views

A man will stand trial for allegedly demolishing a shack with million-dollar views, despite three more people having been charged.

Barry Robertson’s Deep Creek shack Picture: Supplied

A man will stand trial over the alleged illegal demolition of a century-old “salmon shack” with million-dollar coastal views, despite three others having yet to face court over the same accusations.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, George Lavrentiadis pleaded not guilty to property damage and theft over the alleged June 22, 2022, incident.

His lawyer told the court his client was ready to proceed with the matter, despite the lengthy delay prompted by investigations into other alleged offenders.

Those people’s names were not mentioned in court.

“I understand there may be some co-accused that are yet to be brought before the court,” Mr Lavrentiadis’ lawyer said.

“But I can confirm that, in relation to my client, there is a case to answer, we concede there is a case to answer, he will be pleading not guilty and the matter can be listed for trial.”

Mr Lavrentiadis, 50, of no fixed address, was arrested in February and charged with two counts of damaging property and two counts of dishonestly taking property without consent.

SA Police have alleged – based on a series of photographs – he had demolished a “salmon shack” on the Fleurieu Peninsula’s Heysen Trail in June 2022.

The shack, built in 1934, was at the centre of a dispute between Barry Robertson and Florida-based real estate agent Julian Galbraith Johnston.

A man, alleged by SA Police to be George Lavrentiadis, photographed at the coastal shack. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Lavrentiadis is facing charges including damaging property. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / Emma Brasier

Mr Robertson asserts he and his family had owned the shack since 1964, while Mr Johnston – who owns a neighbouring $900,000 property – claims it was on Crown land.

Mr Johnston has publicly denied any wrong­doing, has denied having ordered the demolition of the shack, and has not been charged with an offence.

He claims he has been subjected to abusive messages and threats of violence.

In July, prosecutors told the court they expected three more people would be jointly charged with Mr Lavrentiadis over the shack’s demolition.

On Monday, Mr Lavrentiadis pleaded not guilty to having “damaged a building the property of Barry Robertson” between May 26 and June 8, 2022.

He also pleaded not guilty to having stolen Mr Robertson’s “fishing equipment, antiques and personal belongings”.

Mr Lavrentiadis further pleaded not guilty to demolishing a second shack that was “the property of” another man, and to stealing his “personal belongings”, between the same dates.

Magistrate Karim Soetratma remanded Mr Lavrentiadis on continuing bail to face the District Court in December, when a timetable for his trial will be set.