Royce Trevor Jensen, 20: Central Coast man faces court over Manly Wharf ‘riot’

A man allegedly involved in a wild “riot” involving a mob of up to 40 brawling youths at Manly Wharf has admitted to assaulting a woman.

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 Royce Trevor Jensen, 20, of Wyong, was also 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, a man and a woman from the northern beaches, shielded the boy from attack before he was forced to take refuge in the nearby Fratelli Fresh Italian restaurant.

Jensen 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 on Tuesday that Jensen was pleading not guilty to one count of riot.

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

Jensen, who has been in custody on remand since his arrest at Gosford on January 15, has pleaded guilty to one count of common assault of the woman who was trying to protect the 13-year-old boy.

It will be alleged by police that the woman, 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 brawl spread onto Belgrave St, Manly. Picture: Manly Observer

In documents tendered to court, police alleged that Jensen “being one or more persons present together in riotous assembly” used “unlawful violence for a common purpose” by assaulting members of the public.

Emillio Martinez, 18, Bonnyrigg Heights, outside Manly Local Court on January 29. Picture: Supplied

Emillio Martinez, 18, of Bonnyrigg, has been charged with riot and affray over the same alleged incidents. He pleased not guilty when he appeared at Manly court on January 29.

The 15-year-old boy, charged with two counts of common assault, riot and affray has appeared in the Surry Hills Children’s Court.

Jensen, who appeared in court via a video link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater, did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Lisa Stapleton formally refused bail. Jensen will be back in court on March 26.