A 52-year-old woman has been charged following an incident at a cafe in Melbourne's north where a waitress sustained injuries. The case has attracted public attention after CCTV footage was circulated and a reward was offered.
Incident
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 PM on April 25 at La Vallee Cafe on Keilor Road in Essendon. According to police, a woman struck plates being carried by a waitress. The plates broke and struck the waitress in the face.
"The plates broke and struck the waitress in the face."
Injuries
The waitress, identified as 19-year-old Anais Poupon, a French national working in Australia on a holiday visa, sustained a chipped tooth. She required emergency dental surgery. Poupon reported that the woman involved told her the accident was her own fault.
Investigation and Arrest
Victoria Police opened an investigation into the incident and urged anyone who recognized the woman to contact them. La Vallee Cafe posted CCTV footage of the incident on Instagram, seeking help to identify the alleged offender. The video received nearly 3 million views within 24 hours. The cafe reported receiving messages of support from the local community.
Billionaire Adrian Portelli offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the woman's identification. A local dentist offered free dental work for the waitress.
Police arrested a 52-year-old woman from Footscray at Dandenong Railway Station on May 23.
Charges and Court Appearance
The woman was charged with recklessly causing injury relating to the April 25 incident. She appeared at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 24 and was granted bail. She is scheduled to next appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on August 17, 2026.
Description
The woman in the CCTV footage was wearing:
- A black long-sleeved top
- Light blue jeans
- Sunglasses
- A silver necklace with a charm
She was also carrying plastic bottles of iced coffee and a black jacket.