Sydney man denies assaulting News Corp photographer at Fraser Anning media event

A Fraser Anning supporter accused of assaulting a photographer at a media event has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and intimidation.

A Sydney man accused of assaulting a photographer following a Fraser Anning media event has been temporarily banned from attending any political assemblies, protests or press conferences.

Alleged far-right sympathiser Max Towns was charged in April after an altercation with News Corp Australia photographer Dylan Robinson in Cronulla.

NSW Police allege Towns knocked Robinson’s camera equipment to the ground and tore his shirt.

Towns, 19, on Thursday had his first mention at Sutherland Local Court where his lawyer entered pleas of not guilty to the charges of intimidation and common assault.

Max Towns is accused of knocking a photographer’s equipment to the ground and tearing his shirt.

Towns leaves the Sutherland Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Dean Lewins

The scuffle breaks out. Picture: Andrew Leeson

The Anning supporter allegedly took issue with a journalist’s line of questioning. Picture: Andrew Leeson

Detectives say Towns first made intimidatory comments toward News journalist Eliza Barr and then assaulted Robinson when he tried to intervene.

The scuffle followed a press conference during which Senator Anning announced his Conservative National Party candidate for the Prime Minister’s seat of Cook and part of his NSW ticket for the Senate.

Senator Anning was on the opposite side of the park at the time and said he didn’t see the incident or know if Towns was a supporter.

The Queensland politician — who’s called for a ban on all Muslim immigration — said he didn’t advocate violence.

A police bail document filed in court states Towns is an “associate” of a far-right political group and his alleged actions in late April were unprovoked. His bail conditions stipulate the 19-year-old can’t contact Barr or Robinson, can’t attend political assemblies, protests or press conferences, and must not enter the Sutherland Shire except to attend court.

His matter is due back in the same court on June 27.

Towns is not required to attend.