Court Dismisses Assault Charge Against Actor Alicia Gardiner

A Melbourne court has dismissed an assault charge against Australian actor Alicia Gardiner, who was accused of grabbing a parliamentary worker during a protest at Victoria's Parliament House in May 2024. Gardiner pleaded guilty to a separate charge of refusing to leave the parliamentary precinct and received a fine. The incident occurred during a demonstration by a pro-Palestine group.

Incident Details

On May 7, 2024, a group of protesters entered the public gallery of Victoria's Parliament House during a budget speech by then-Treasurer Tim Pallas. The group reportedly yelled slogans and held banners. Alicia Gardiner was among those protesters.

As security personnel escorted the group from the gallery, an altercation occurred.

According to court testimony, Gardiner attempted to enter the legislative chamber and was blocked by two parliamentary workers. One worker alleged that Gardiner pushed her and then grabbed and twisted her left breast, causing what the worker described as a "sharp pain."

Court Proceedings and Testimony

During a hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, the complainant testified about the alleged assault. She stated she felt "really scared" and "really angry," and said Gardiner had "broke the girl code and twisted my breast."

Another parliamentary worker, Glen Putland, told the court he witnessed Gardiner grappling with his colleague. The alleged breast-grabbing incident was not captured on camera, according to testimony presented in court.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas stated it was possible to conclude a deliberate grab of the breast had occurred based on the evidence presented. However, following a break in proceedings, prosecutors announced they would drop the assault charge. No explanation for the decision was provided in court.

Gardiner's defense barrister, Angeline Centrone, argued there was insufficient evidence for an unlawful assault finding. She noted Gardiner is a 50-year-old mother of two with no prior criminal history and provided references speaking to her character.

Outcome

The assault charge against Alicia Gardiner was formally abandoned by Victorian prosecutors.

Gardiner pleaded guilty to the charge of refusing to leave the parliamentary precinct. She was fined $500 and no conviction was recorded.

Outside the court, Gardiner read a statement saying she had denied the assault allegations since being charged. She stated, "I was there to give voice to something important, and I will continue to speak up for what I believe in."

Background

Alicia Gardiner is an actor with three decades of experience in Australian stage and television productions. Her roles include appearances in Offspring, Deadloch, Kath and Kim, and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.