Monica Neskovski: Mill Park uni grad avoids conviction for The George on Collins altercation

A petty argument over a picture was all it took for one woman to seek out revenge on a group of revellers at a CBD nightclub.

Monica Neskovski pleaded guilty to throwing a missile to the injury of a person. Facebook.

An “exceptional human being” who left a rival girl bleeding and needing stitches following a late-night spat at a trendy city bar has avoided a conviction.

Monica Neskovski, 25, was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to a 12-month good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to throwing a missile to the injury of a person.

Neskovski was at upmarket venue The George on Collins with her mother and a group of friends when the big night out soured just after 11.30pm on September 20, 2019.

Neskovski’s group and another group got into a spat over a photograph taken inside the venue, the court heard.

The groups went their separate ways after the altercation ended but both remained at the venue.

However, Neskovski reignited the tussle when she threw the “contents” of a metal pitcher over a divider and onto the rival group.

Neskovski then flung the jug over and it struck her victim’s head, the court was told.

The victim, who sustained a large gash to her head, was left bleeding.

Neskovski injured a bar patron following an altercation.

Neskovski’s mum stepped in and led her daughter and her group away from the rumpus.

George on Collins security intervened to separate the feuding parties then called police.

The incident was captured on CCTV and the footage was handed to investigators.

Neskovski, who sobbed in court, was arrested but gave police a “no comment” interview.

Neskovski, from Mill Park, wasn’t charged until months later and her matter was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the court heard.

The victim required five stitches but did not provide a victim impact statement.

Barrister Thomas Bell, for Neskovski, submitted his client’s offending was “completely out of character”.

“She felt scared and intimidated and acted out,” Mr Bell said.

“She acted out in a totally unacceptable manner.”

Mr Bell said Neskovski, who had consumed a “couple of drinks”, and the victim were unknown to each other.

It was submitted alcohol “may have contributed” but was not the “primary cause” of the incident.

Neskovski was on a night out with her mum and friends.

Mr Bell also submitted six references written on behalf of his client which described Neskovski as a “exceptional human being”.

Another reference described Neskovski as “professional and dedicated” and who handles herself with “composure and humility”.

The court was told Neskovski also had an “impressive” work record since graduating from RMIT with a bachelor of business.

Neskovski’s mother also worked two jobs to put her daughter through private school, the court was told

It was submitted Neskovski “feels like she’s let her mum down”.

Neskovski also has no priors or subsequent offending and penned a letter of apology to her victim.

Neskovski’s victim was left bloodied and required stitches.

Magistrate Hayley Bate said it was a “pretty inglorious moment” for Neskovski.

“(It was) appalling behaviour which resulted in an injury which could have been a lot worse,” Magistrate Bate said.

“The parties had been separated and the altercation had come to an end and it was your client who took it upon herself to take a water pitcher (and throw it) at a girl’s head.

“(It was) an enormous fall from grace on this particular night... is embarrassed and ashamed as she should be.”

Magistrate Bate acknowledged Neskovski’s prior good character but denounced her conduct.

“This is such a stark difference from the woman on this night who acted in an absolute childish way and put another member of the public at risk,” Magistrate Bate said.

Magistrate Bate also said the incident would have been “extremely distressing” for the victim.

Neskovski was handed an adjourned undertaking without conviction and ordered to pay the Royal Children’s $1000.

Magistrate Bate said Neskovski’s lack of criminal priors, her early guilty plea, genuine remorse and delay spared her a conviction.

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