Matilda McDermott: Teenager accused of Jewish MP Josh Burns’ office attack to fight charges
A 19-year-old accused of vandalising the electoral office of a Jewish MP has revealed plans to fight the allegations after a deal with prosecutors was thrown out.
A teenager accused of participating in the vandal attack of Labor MP John Burns’ electoral office has revealed plans to fight the allegations.
Matilda McDermott, 19, returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where charges of criminal damage, burglary and failing to provide her phone pin were set down for a contested hearing in September.
She wore the same grey trousers, dark blue paisley patterned blouse and large sun hat as she did during her last court appearance in December.
During that previous hearing, the court was told the case had been resolved with a deal for prosecutors to withdraw two charges relating to the vandalism of Mr Burns’ St Kilda office in the early morning of June 19 last year.
Instead she would admit to an incident almost a month later where the French Consulate was doused in red paint on July 17 and was seeking to avoid a criminal conviction through diversion.
But on Tuesday, defence lawyer Domenic Care said there had been a shift in the prosecution’s position and “we’re back to square one”.
He said the case was now unable to be resolved and would be fought at a contested hearing.
The court was told a central issue for the hearing was whether Ms McDermott was present or participated in the damage of Mr Burns’ office.
Ms McDermott appeared in court with her face covered by a N95 mask alongside two supporters.
Police allege up to six people were involved in the vandalism attack, breaking through the windows and painting political slogans including “Zionism is fascism”.
Small fires were also lit at the office, with charge sheets revised in court to now allege a $75,000 damage bill.
The court was told police would present a circumstantial case, alleging a combination of CCTV, phone downloads, and items seized from Ms McDermott could prove she was present.
The matter was adjourned to a special mention in May, with her defence still waiting on statements from three police witnesses.
In a statement after the incident, Mr Burns said he believed the damage of his office was a “politically motivated attack”.
“It made the news. It got headlines. Aside from trying to intimidate me, a Jewish MP, I’m sure that’s exactly what they wanted,” he said.