Antonio Monardo allegedly assaulted NSW Sheriff's officer at Prestons business

A sheriff who was serving papers at a southwest Sydney business was allegedly assaulted with a metal hammer in a violent attack which police claim was “unprovoked” which could have turned deadly.

Antonio Bruno Monardo allegedly assaulted NSW Sheriff‘s officer at Prestons business. Picture: File

A construction business boss allegedly attacked a sheriff who was serving papers on him with a metal hammer, then used a forklift to pick up the man’s car in a bizarre ordeal which police say was “unprovoked”.

Antonio Bruno Monardo, 36, has been charged with assaulting a sheriff, wounding the same sheriff, being armed with intent and escaping from lawful custody.

Police allege a NSW Sheriff’s officer attended Dentro Joinery at Progress Cr, Prestons on July 19 to serve a statement of claim on Monardo when the situation escalated.

They further allege Monardo, of Barden Ridge, assaulted the same officer with a metal hammer and caused the officer actual bodily harm.

“[Monardo] has seriously assaulted a sheriff’s officer, unprovoked, and without a word being spoken by either officer,” papers allege.

Campbelltown Courthouse.

“The (alleged) offence committed by (Monardo) is of a serious nature and had the potential to seriously injure or kill the victim. After (allegedly) assaulting the victim with a hammer, (Monardo) attempted to lift the sheriff’s vehicle with a forklift.”

Monardo last appeared at Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday and the case returns to court in November. No pleas have been entered in the matter.

He was granted bail on July 20 with a $10,000 surety, ordered to report to Sutherland police station daily and was banned from contacting any prosecution witness except through a legal representative.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman confirmed at 10.45am on July 19, paramedics treated a man for head wounds and transferred him to Liverpool Hospital.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokeswoman would not confirm if the sheriff had since returned to work.

“The safety of the community and our staff are key priorities for the Department of Communities and Justice,” she said.

“Sheriff’s Officers are highly trained professionals who work to protect the NSW justice system and the community every day. DCJ does not comment on individual staff members for privacy reasons.”

According to business records, Monardo is the director of Dentro Designs, a which describes itself as a “specialist joinery service”.