Liam Knott: Carrum Downs teen bailed following alleged McDonald’s manager, Uber Eats driver attacks
A teen at the centre of a number of disturbing alleged incidents at a Carrum Downs shopping complex has been given a crack at freedom.
South East
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A Carrum Downs teen who allegedly attacked an Uber Eats driver, McDonald’s manager and police officer has been bailed.
Liam Knott, 19, fronted the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after the alleged outburst in November, which preceded another alleged incident where a 14-year-old boy was targeted on New Year’s Day.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso heard Knott allegedly yanked at an Uber Eats driver’s headset before punching the man in the face and ear at Carrum Downs McDonald’s in November.
Knott allegedly threw a punch at a store manager who tried to intervene before tossing a COVID-19 display and the Uber Eats driver’s food across the floor.
Police allegedly found Knott and his pit bull a short distance away, with the teen allegedly kicking an officer before he was overpowered by another member.
The court was told Knott and a co-accused targeted an innocent 14-year-old boy at the Carrum Downs Shopping Centre on New Year’s Day, with the co-accused slashing a man with a knife in the car park just before 10pm.
Knott was allegedly walking his pit bull when he told the young boy to hand over his phone or the dog would bite him, the court heard.
Knott allegedly handed back a hat the co-accused had stolen from the boy and the 14-year-old ran off, finding refuge in a nearby pizza shop and phoning his family.
The victim’s family members allegedly attended the carpark where the co-accused slashed one man in the neck with a knife as Knott allegedly tried to steal the family’s car keys.
Police found Knott at his family home, seizing two imitation hand guns and a red tshirt allegedly seen on CCTV footage from the pizza restaurant.
The alleged carpark incident left the 14-year-old “traumatised” and feeling too fearful to leave his home, the court was told.
Mr Gattuso heard Knott, who has spent 47 days in custody, suffers from anxiety and depression as well as alcohol and cannabis addiction.
“People (involved in the alleged incidents) are just going about their daily lives, Uber drivers, people working at McDonald’s and a 14-year-old uber driver who has nothing to do with you and is just going about his business,” he told Knott.”
“As a young vulnerable person, adult imprisonment is a risky environment … you’re exposed to risk yourself and potential contamination rather than rehabilitation.
“You’ve had a long break away from alcohol and cannabis … you have a chance to turn your life around.”
Knott’s bail conditions include that he must not leave his home at night, must not consume alcohol or drugs and must not attend the Carrum Downs Shopping Centre complex.
He will return on May 10.
