Key Takeaways
- Suzi Milgate, a former Darwin real estate agent, has been found guilty of aggravated assault for pushing a cream-covered crepe into the face of former chief minister Natasha Fyles.
- The incident occurred at Darwin’s Nightcliff Markets on September 24, 2023, and was described by Ms Milgate as an act of "protest" against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
- Ms Milgate may face jail time, with prosecutors pushing for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence.
- The court heard that Ms Milgate had shown "a degree of pre-planning" and no remorse for her actions, and had attempted to "play off what she did as a joke" or a prank.
- Sentencing has been adjourned until January to allow Ms Milgate time to gather character references.
Introduction to the Incident
The former Darwin real estate agent, Suzi Milgate, has been found guilty of aggravated assault after a judge-only trial in which she represented herself. The guilty verdict was delivered on Tuesday morning, and Ms Milgate broke down in court, accusing Judge Julie Franz of making "mistakes and errors" in her ruling. The incident occurred at Darwin’s Nightcliff Markets on September 24, 2023, when Ms Milgate approached former chief minister Natasha Fyles and pushed a cream-covered crepe into her face. Ms Milgate described the incident as an act of "protest" against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which she believed had negative impacts for her husband.
The Court Hearing
The court heard that Ms Milgate had been aggrieved by decisions made by Ms Fyles as chief minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Milgate’s husband had suffered a stroke in January 2020 and required an operation, but was unable to get a vaccine exemption. Ms Milgate told the court that she believed Ms Fyles had "jeopardised" her husband’s life, and that her whole life had been turned upside down as a result. The court also heard that Ms Milgate had asked her friend Julie Collins to film the interaction on her phone, and had waited outside a Bendigo Bank branch where Ms Fyles was attending a function before approaching her.
The Assault
Witnesses saw Ms Milgate "lunge at Ms Fyles" and push the crepe into her face, causing bruising under her eye. Judge Franz ruled that Ms Fyles had been threatened with "an offensive weapon, namely a crepe with cream", and that it had caused her injuries. Ms Milgate did not deny hitting Ms Fyles with the crepe, but disputed the level of force used, arguing that a "plate of food" should not be considered as a weapon. However, the court heard that the incident was not just a prank or a joke, but a serious example of aggravated assault that had contributed to a "heightened sense of need for security" and impacted the way politicians engaged with the community.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Prosecutor Rhiannon McGlinn told the court that the offence, which carried a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, warranted a jail sentence. Ms McGlinn argued that Ms Milgate had shown "a degree of pre-planning" and no remorse, and had attempted to "play off what she did as a joke" or a prank. However, she also acknowledged that Ms Milgate had already served 24 days in custody for another matter, and that further sentence could be served in the community. Judge Franz said she was considering a term of imprisonment, which would likely be suspended. Sentencing has been adjourned until January to allow Ms Milgate time to gather character references.
Aftermath and Appeal
Outside court, Ms Milgate said she planned to appeal the decision. She has already faced significant consequences as a result of the incident, including being deregistered as a real estate agent, falling into debt, and her marriage breaking down. The incident has also had a significant impact on Ms Fyles, who has spoken about the need for increased security and the impact of the incident on her ability to engage with the community. The case highlights the serious consequences of violent and aggressive behaviour, and the need for individuals to respect the boundaries and safety of others, including public figures.
