Alleged dog basher Mark Martinaj gag order bid rejected amid online threats and car damage

An accused dog basher caught on CCTV in an alleged 13 minute attack on two family dogs has been the target of vigilantes who smashed his cars and lit his fence on fire.

An accused dog basher has argued his car was vandalised and front fence lit on fire in a failed bid to have a gag order put in place on his name.

Mark Martinaj fronted the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on May 2 facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly bashed his neighbour’s tiny service dog to death.

Animal welfare activists and concerned citizens filled the suburban courtroom alongside hundreds of people logging in online for the second time in a week on Friday, all demanding justice for Millie the dog.

The Wood family and supporters outside Ringwood Magistrates’ Court ahead of contest mention for Mark Martinaj, accused of beating their dog to death with a metal pole. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

On Friday, Mr Martinaj was escorted into the courthouse by 14 police officers after reporting ongoing concerns for his safety following the alleged attacks on his home and on social media.

Mr Martinaj’s lawyer Scott Thomas made a bid for a suppression order to gag any reporting of the alleged bashing, saying his client had experienced threats on his life and safety over social media.

Mr Thomas submitted CCTV evidence of Mr Martinaj’s cars and property being damaged, including the words “you will die c--t, dog killer” graffitied on the front fence of his home.

Mr Martinaj leaving court on Friday. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

Comments read out by the defence included social media posts saying “they should beat him with a metal pole” and “this piece of s--t needs the same thing happened to him and then dispose of body in garbage disposal”.

Millie was beloved by her family. Picture: Facebook.

After standing the court down for three hours of consideration, Magistrate Jennifer Tregent rejected the application, saying a suppression order would be “a step too far”.

Ms Tregent said she was “mindful for the high emotional impact” of the allegations and understood some members of the community would find the alleged incident “repugnant”.

Police have alleged Mr Martinaj trapped Millie and another dog in his driveway before allegedly bashing her multiple times over a 13 minute period with a metal pole.

Mr Martinaj was later confronted by Millie’s owner Marcus Wood, where police allege he offered to financially compensate the family, allegedly saying “I can buy one or two”.

People and dogs alike showed up to support Millie and the Wood family on Friday. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

Mr Martinaj has denied the allegations he killed Millie, with his lawyers arguing the CCTV footage shows the little dog still alive.

“There is no evidence of the dog being deceased,” Mr Thomas told the court.

“The dog is alive in its last visual on CCTV.”

Because of this, Mr Thomas said the case against his client for the alleged murder of Millie was “circumstantial”.

Police said they planned to call at least five witnesses when the case was brought back before the court.

Mr Martinaj will return to Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on July 31.