Laura Zammit: Amateur pole dancer in ‘disgusting’ train attack
An amateur pole dancer launched a ‘disgusting’ form of assault - at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic - on a Sydney train commuter. It came after she claimed the fellow passenger had touched her backside, which was later rejected by a magistrate.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Travel industry worker and avid pole dancer Laura Zammit had no excuse for being “extremely disgusting’’ and spitting on a man as they boarded a Blue Mountains-bound train at Parramatta station, a court has heard.
The Penrith woman pleaded guilty to common assault charges after she carried out the repulsive act on a man when they boarded the train at Parramatta station on June 19 — during the grip of coronavirus fears.
Police facts tendered to the court state the 26-year-old believed the victim was pushing her back while she boarded the train at 4.15pm.
When she, the victim and witness were in the carriage vestibule she threatened the victim with her right fist and said “something in an aggressive manner”.
“The victim said ‘Whatever, keep on going’ while gesturing her to move on,’’ police facts state.
“The accused has turned around and spat on the victim’s face. The witness said ‘that’s disgusting’ to the accused.’’
The upset victim and witness sat in the same carriage as Zammit and reported the incident to Blacktown train station staff, who dispatched police when the train arrived at Blacktown.
She was charged with common assault.
On Tuesday, the former St Marys Senior High School student whose Instagram account heavily features videos of her practising pole dancing, fronted court and was supported by her husband.
Her lawyer Andrew Sant told Parramatta Local Court she spat on the man because she believed he had touched her backside.
But Magistrate Tim Keady rejected suggestions the man was being provocative and was simply in a situation where commuters were close together when they boarded the train.
“If this man punched you in the face, what would your reaction be?’’ he said.
“Spitting at someone — that is the most extreme form of disgusting.’’
He accepted Zammit, who regularly caught the train between Penrith and Bondi Junction and has no criminal record, was contrite.
“I hope you’ve spent more time reflecting on what happened on June 19,’’ he said.
She was not convicted and received a two-year two-year conditional release order.