George Calombaris has conviction overturned for assault at A-League grand final
CELEBRITY chef George Calombaris has had his conviction for assaulting a teenager at the A-League grand final overturned — but he won’t be returning to a match any time soon.
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MASTERCHEF host George Calombaris has had his conviction for assaulting a teenager at the A-League grand final overturned.
Judge Andrew Scotting agreed with Calombaris’s lawyer David Edwardson that the 39-year-old had suffered significant financial and personal loss and was unlikely to reoffend, in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court today.
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Calombaris said he remains “deeply remorseful” for his actions and again apologised to everyone involved, including New South Wales police.
“I also want to reiterate my apologies to Melbourne Victory and Football Federation Australia for any impact my actions may have had on the reputation of the sport I love, and I will continue my self-imposed 12-month ban on attending any Football Federation Australia or national football games,” he said.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for their unconditional support during this time, which has been deeply distressing for all.
“This process has given me significant cause for self-reflection, and I know that as a result I will be a better person.”
Calombaris was fined $1000 after pleading guilty last October for assaulting a then 19-year-old at the A-League grand final last May.
In October, magistrate Peter Miszalski said he wanted to send a message that high-profile people wouldn’t simply get a slap on the wrist.
“It was a very public display of aggression,” he said.
“I watched those programs many years ago and was very much a fan. To see a man like this come before the court is a tragedy.”
The court had previously heard Calombaris called the victim a “big-mouth man” and a “dodgy c***” before punching him in the abdomen.
After pleading guilty the celebrity chef stood down from his role as Victory’s No.1 ticket holder, banned himself from A-League games for 12 months and expressed sorrow for the incident.
The celebrity chef endured a horror year, with the assault coming after revelations that chaotic accounting at his business had left staff short-changed to the tune of $2.6 million.
- with AAP