Protester who allegedly assaulted 7News journo bailed

An anti-lockdown protester who allegedly attacked a 7News reporter at a Sydney rally and stole his phone has been released on bail.

An anti-lockdown protester who allegedly attacked a 7News reporter at a Sydney rally and stole his phone has been released on bail.
Guerino “Reno” Scevola was sternly warned by Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson to “stay away” from Robert Ovadia before the pre-trial hearing in March next year.
“ (Mr Ovadia) was fulfilling an important role in our community. We have a free press who can report. They shouldn’t be a subject of focus when they do their job,” Ms Atkinson told the court.

Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia in the video.

“The journalist needs to be protected. If you see him you walk away.”
Scevola has pleaded not guilty to assault, threatening unlawful violence, stealing, affray and breaching a public health order by attending the Victoria Park protest in July.
A video captured the confrontation and alleged assault, which was shared widely on social media shows Scevola approaching Mr Ovadia.

Guerino Scevola allegedly assaulted Robert Ovadia.

When Mr Ovadia tells him he works for Channel 7, Guerino tells him repeatedly to “f … k off” and calls over other protesters who join in abusing the journalist.
Tensions escalate before Mr Ovadia’s iPhone 11 can be seen being knocked out of his hand, and picked up with a voice heard saying: “Take his phone, got it … good on you brother”.
The Petersham resident was ordered to forfeit $5000 surety to ensure he complied with his bail, to which he told the court: “I will obey it 100 per cent”.
Later he told Ms Atkinson, “If the protest came to my front door, I would not even open my front door.”
His lawyer Salvetore Scevola, who is also his brother, told the court prison was arduous on his client spending long periods of time in his cell due to Covid restrictions.