Ringwood Magistrates Court: Sammy Muratore sentenced for his role in violent Blackburn North picnic attack

A coronavirus denier has learnt his fate in court after he and his family attacked two masked-up mums having a picnic with their kids in a Blackburn North park.

The victims of a brutal picnic attack in a Blackburn North park during a police press conference after the incident. Picture: Tim Carrafa

A coronavirus denier has learnt his fate in court over a violent picnic attack, where his partner, five children and dog unleashed on two mums and their kids at a park in Melbourne’s east.

Sammy Muratore, 47, pleaded guilty at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Monday to one count of affray and was fined $1500.

The two mothers were setting up for a picnic at Slater Reserve Park in Blackburn North on September 23 2021, when the attack took place.

The court heard Muratore and his family then entered the park and began tearing down coronavirus check-in signs placed around the park.

Victim Jacquelyn and her friend speak to police about a brutal assault outside Box Hill police station. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Muratore’s partner then began to swear and insult the women and their children before putting one victim in a headlock.

His five children then began kicking, punching and coughing on the woman.

Muratore’s partner previously pleaded guilty to unlawful assault and affray in relation to her role in the attack and was sentenced to an adjourned undertaking.

One of the mothers Jacquelyn became emotional when she told reporters in 2021 about what took place in the park.

“They were trying to rip our masks off and telling us we’re afraid of a cold, and trying to cough on us,” she said.

“They were verbally abusing us, started off pushing me and kicking me.”

Two good Samaritans, including one off-duty police officer who heard the victim’s daughter pleading for help were then attacked by Muratore’s American staffordshire terrier.

Muratore let the leash go slack which allowed the dog to run at the good Samaritans, leaving one victim with a torn jumper and another with puncture wounds to their hand.

Alex Kimberley’s puncture wounds from Muratore’s dog after he tried to intervene during the attack. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The victims’ children remained unharmed in the attack.

The court also heard Muratore remained passive during the attack, despite allowing his dog to run at the victims while it was on a leash.

Magistrate Caroline Boult told Muratore he was highly culpable for the “concerning and aggravating” incident.

“You have a responsibility to your children to demonstrate how to conduct themselves,” she said.

“This situation required you to intervene.”

Whitehorse City Council also placed Muratore’s American staffordshire terrier on a menacing list and impounded the dog.

Muratore had to pay a further $1500 to get the dog back and it is now required to wear a muzzle when it is outside his property.