Emillio Martinez, 18: Bonnyrigg Heights teenager faces court over Manly Wharf brawl

A teenager allegedly involved in a wild “riot” involving a mob of up to 40 brawling youths at Manly Wharf has faced court.

A man allegedly involved in a “riot” involving a gang of up to 40 brawling youths has appeared in Manly Local Court.

Police will allege that Emillio Martinez, 18, of Bonnyrigg Heights was part of a mob which allegedly chased and assaulted a 13-year-old boy outside Manly ferry wharf on January 6.

Two members of the public shielded the boy from attack before he was forced to take refuge in the nearby Fratelli Fresh Italian restaurant.

Martinez is one of three people, including a 15-year-old male, charged under Strike Force Crookhaven, set up by Northern Beaches Police to investigate the incident.

The court heard Martinez’s Legal Aid solicitor on Wednesday that he would be pleading not guilty to one count of riot and one count of affray.

Emillio Martinez, 18, Bonnyrigg Heights, outside Manly Local Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of riot and affray over a brawl at Manly on January 6.

A man, 20, from Wyong, has also been charged over the incident.

He has pleaded guilty to one count of common assault of a woman who was trying to protect the 13-year-old boy as he was “screaming for his” life.

A brawl involving about 40 teens broke out at Manly Wharf on January 6. Picture: Manly Observer

She and her male partner were allegedly struck with a bottle as well as punched and spat on as they wrapped their arms around the boy and shepherded him towards the restaurant.

The man, 20, had also entered a not guilty plea to one count of riot.

Emillio Martinez, 18, Bonnyrigg Heights, tried to shield his face from the media. Picture: Manly Daily

In documents tendered to court, police alleged that Martinez used or threatened “unlawful violence” towards an “unknown victim by conduct such that a person would have feared for their safety”.

Police will also allege that Martinez “being one or more persons present together in riotous assembly” used “unlawful violence for a common purpose”.

Emillio Martinez, 18, Bonnyrigg Heights, outside Manly Local Court on Wednesday.

Martinez was supported by his parents in court. He did not respond to media questions as he was bundled into a waiting car outside the courthouse.

The court register continued his strict bail conditions, including a ban from entering the northern beaches except to attend court.

Martinez will be back before court on March 26.