Billy Koskinas, 33, pleads guilty to assault charges after attacking Camberwell Woolworths staff
A man who assaulted Woolworths staff over cigarettes has complained about the food in prison, demanding McDonald’s in a wild court outburst.
South East
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A man who assaulted supermarket staff over cigarettes told a Magistrate he “wanted McDonald’s” and could not live on prison salads during several outburst in court.
Billy Koskinas, 34, of Hawthorn East, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, previously pleading guilty to assault and stalking charges.
The court heard Koskinas assaulted staff at Woolworths on Burke Rd, Camberwell after he demanded to enter the store — which was closed at the time — to buy cigarettes.
When he was told the supermarket was still closed, Koskinas assaulted a female staff member, striking her to the head twice and throwing her on the ground.
He also threatened to “stab” a cleaner at the scene and threw glass bottles which shattered near staff members after an unsuccessful attempt of trying to get cigarettes from behind the counter.
He then stormed out of the store, screaming “I’ll be back to kill you in three months”.
During a continuation of his plea hearing on Friday, Koskinas attempted to interrupt the court several times, pleading with Magistrate Andrew Waters to either sentence or release him.
“You keep prolonging and prolonging it, it’s not very fair for me. I’m having nightmares,” he said.
“I want to get sentenced. I have things to do. I’m 34 years old I’m not getting any younger.
Let me out of here”.
When a psychological report about how extended prison time could “exacerbate” Koskinas’ mental health, he was heard saying “yeah it will f—k me up”.
When His Honour indicated he would not sentence on Friday, Koskinas — who was asked multiple times to be quiet on the video link from Melbourne Remand Centre — interrupted proceedings to complain about the prison food.
“I need food I’m hungry. I need to go home ... I need chicken and chips, I need McDonald’s. I can’t live on salads,” he said.
The court heard Koskinas had mental health issues and had made “progress” while in custody and had “strong support” in the community.
Despite acknowledging Koskinas’ community support and remorse for the assault, His Honour said he was “concerned” about the risk to the community.
“I’m not releasing you today,” Magistrate Andrews said.
“If I was to sentence you today I’d do it for a lenghty term of imprisonment and probably with a non-parole period. I’m really concerned about your risk to vulnerable people in shops who you have in this case assaulted.”
Koskinas also pleaded guilty to stalking charges after he sent a real estate agent — who popped up as a suggested followed on his Instagram feed — a series of messages, telling her he wanted to “be inside” in her.
He also called her about 10 times, leaving voicemails telling her she “looks sex as ... don’t go to the police, you’re hot as”.
In one phone call — which the victim answered — Koskinas told her he would see her at her next listing, prompting her to rearrange her work schedule.
Koskinas will return to court in February.