Stephen Schenk, a local building designer, has pleaded guilty to assaulting Shire CEO Bradley Thomas in the Ballarat Magistrate’s Court.
According to Court proceedings on March 17, Mr Schenk became verbally aggressive toward Mr Thomas on November 19 last year outside the Muffins and More cafe in Daylesford as part of an argument about planning matters.
As Mr Thomas walked away Mr Schenk threw a cup of coffee at his back in front of bystanders. The Magistrate, Mike Wardell, expressed skepticism at Mr Schenk’s explanation that he had spilt the coffee on Mr Thomas by accident.
Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas
However, as Mr Schenk was willing to plead guilty, Mr Wardell agreed to place him on a one year good behaviour bond without conviction.
As part of his good behaviour undertaking Mr Schenk is required to take part in a men’s behaviour change program and make a $500 donation to the court fund.
Hepburn Shire Council has a clear policy that it requires respectful, non-threatening behaviour from community members. It has a zero tolerance policy for aggression, abuse or harassment directed at staff and councillors.
