Former deputy premier John Barilaro charged with assault

Former deputy premier John Barilaro has been charged with assault and malicious damage following a tussle with a news cameraman last month.

Former deputy premier John Barilaro has been charged with assault and malicious damage following a tussle with a news cameraman last month.

A statement from NSW Police said “about 2pm today officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command served a Future Court Attendance Notice (FCAN) for alleged assault and malicious damage offences on a 51-year-old man via his legal representatives”.

“The man is expected to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 12 October 2022,” the statement said.

John Barilaro in an altercation with a camerman in Manly.

Mr Barilaro is alleged to have attacked freelance cameraman Matt Costello July 23 in Manly.

Mr Barilaro declined to comment.

Freelance cameraman Matt Costello.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Mr Barilaro also faces a civil suit brought by Mr Costello, who is seeking to get compensation for the alleged destruction of thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment.

Mr Barilaro’s lawyers have also been issued with demands for compensation over Mr Costello’s alleged pain and suffering and having to take four weeks off work.

Mr Costello declined to comment

John Barilaro.

Seven News Sydney director Jason Morrison said in respect of the allegations “you would’ve thought that experienced media operators – as they all are – would have known not to behave like that towards a TV cameraman”.

Mr Barilaro was with former staffer Jeff McCormack and his former senior media advisor Jennifer Lugsdin, who he is now in a relationship with.