Michael Trovato sentenced over assaulting workers at Marina Lunga and Gribbles restaurant

When a drunk man looking for dinner was told his restaurant of choice had closed its kitchen for the night, he attacked a fellow business owner and smashed a window in response.

Michael Trovato was sentenced at Newtown Local Court. ​

When a drunk hygiene consultant went looking for a late night feed at a popular Inner West restaurant only to be told food service had finished, he proceeded to attack the owner and smashed the business’s window with a rock missile.

Marrickville man Michael Trovato fronted Newtown Local Court on Tuesday where he was forced to face the consequences of his drunken and aggressive behaviour.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and damaging property.

According to documents tendered to court, Trovato’s night went horribly wrong after he attended a work Christmas party on December 17 where he had, by his own admission, consumed “copious amounts of drinks”.

After leaving the party, Trovato went to Marrickville Italian restaurant Marina Lunga and asked if it was closed.

Michael Trovato leaving Newtown Local Court.

“(When an employee) responded that the restaurant was closed, Trovato became very agitated and began aggressively asking (the employee) to fight him,” police facts state.

Hearing the commotion, the owner of Gribbles, a nearby restaurant which was also closing, crossed he road and attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Michael Trovato.

“(The owner) asked Trovato to leave them alone, to which Trovato responded by standing within 10cm of his face and yelling threats that he was going to hurt (the restaurant owner) and his family,” police facts state.

“(He) also yelled, “I will come and burn your shop down”.”

The two restaurant workers then entered Gribbles and held the door shut while Trovato continued to yell at them.

After briefly walking away, Trovato returned and punched the window of the restaurant before throwing rocks at the window and smashing it, the court heard.

The owner of Gribbles then gave chase to the 30-year-old, who had attempted to run away, and managed to wrestle him to the ground.

Police soon arrived, separated the two men, and arrested Trovato who made full admissions to throwing rocks at the window, stating “he was angry”, the court heard.

In court, Magistrate Lisa Stapleton said this case was about knowing how much was an acceptable amount to drink.

“You’ve crossed the line … (when) you lose the capacity to think for yourself,” she said.

But Ms Stapleton also told the court Trovato was remorseful for his actions, had completed Smart Recovery sessions and attended a Life Choices program.

For the assault charges, he was not convicted but fined $1100. He was convicted of damaging property and ordered to pay $1000 in compensation to the owner of Gribbles.