Kodei Mulcahy charged with perjury after Rhonda Burchmore claim

A man charged with perjury and making a false report has claimed he “genuinely” believed much-loved Aussie performer Rhonda Burchmore assaulted him, a court has heard.

Kodei Mulcahy leaving the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A man had a “genuine belief” he was assaulted by entertainer Rhonda Burchmore at a star-studded event even though footage reveals there was no contact between them, a court has heard.

Kodei Mulcahy, 23, faces charges of perjury and making a false report after it’s alleged he lied to police when claiming he was struck by one of Australia’s most loved performers at the opening of Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 musical on July 14 last year.

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday heard that police obtained footage from the Arts Centre in Southbank, which showed Mr Mulcahy approach Ms Burchmore.

The pair had a “very short conversation” before Ms Burchmore’s husband stepped in and encouraged the young man to “leave the area”, a police summary claims.

The court heard that the CCTV “does not show an assault”, rather that it depicted a “clear gap” between Mr Mulcahy and Ms Burchmore.

Kodei Mulcahy. Picture: Supplied

Defence lawyer Emma Oliver, for the Werribee man, said her client “held a genuine belief” that he’d been assaulted, as he had felt someone hit him to the right shoulder and turned to see Ms Burchmore standing there.

According to the police summary read to the court, Mr Mulcahy called the police assistance line on July 16 and reported the alleged assault, claiming he’d attended a medical clinic for treatment that day.

The next day, he made a formal complaint that he’d been hit “with heavy and hard force to his right shoulder”.

But police claim Mr Mulcahy actually attended Westgate medical clinic on July 17 – the same day he made his formal police statement – and that the doctor had noted he’d suffered the injury at an event in Geelong.

Magistrate Martin Grinberg said the case could be “dealt with expeditiously” under a plea agreement.

The matter was adjourned for a contest hearing on August 23.