Anthony Monteleone: Jellis Craig agent ‘lost grip’ during drunken MCG brawl
A drunken real estate agent and a couple of mates went the biff with two Essendon supporters at a Bombers v Collingwood game at the MCG after “words were exchanged”.
Melbourne City
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A real estate agent who punched a young man in the face at the MCG has been warned to not “blow off steam” by getting involved in another drunken street brawl.
Anthony Monteleone, 44, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday where he admitted to his role in an assault charge stemming from his role in a post-match biffo with two Essendon fans at the MCG in April last year.
The court heard Monteleone and two co-offender Collingwood fans assaulted a father-and-son after the teams’ round seven draw.
The physical attack followed “words that were exchanged” between the groups.
Monteleone, who has worked at Jellis Craig in Brunswick for four years, admitted to punching the youngest of the Essendon fans in the face as part of a diversion application.
He told police in an interview, “obviously, I don’t recall a whole lot because I have had a bit to drink”.
“It happened very, very quickly.
“I recall making a few punches to the face … I don’t recall if I hit anyone.”
Monteleone’s defence lawyer, William Blake, said his client faced losing his real estate license if he was convicted.
“He is aware that this puts his career and employment in jeopardy.”
Mr Blake said Monteleone said alcohol was “not a major issue, but something Mr Monteleone has addressed.”
Magistrate Abigail Burchill said Monteleone could have been facing far more serious charges had his victim hit his head on the ground.
“Some people have a short fuse at home, other people have a short fuse at sporting games … it’s lucky that you’re not in a higher court (facing more serious charges).
“There is an absolute epidemic of violence in our community that fills every single court in the nation, at every single level.
She said Monteleone’s offending was that of a man who had “completely lost a grip”.
Ms Burchill said Monteleone needed to better manage the “extraordinary” level of stress he was under at work, and find an outlet that didn’t involve drinking and aggression.
“How do people blow off steam? Alcohol, and going to things like sporting matches,” she said.
Monteleone was ordered to complete a 12 month diversion program.
If he completes the program he will be spared a criminal record.
Monteleone’s two co-offenders have previously been placed on diversion orders.
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