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Taylah Farrugia admits assaulting Norwegian tourist falsely accused of filming women
Taylah Farrugia, 20, has pleaded guilty to affray and two counts of assault over a group attack on a Norwegian tourist at St Kilda pier. The tourist had been falsely accused of photographing women and children, and the case has drawn attention to the severe assault that followed and the role of bystanders who intervened.
The attack happened on 18 December last year, when Farrugia was 19, and involved her and three males. The 34-year-old tourist suffered facial injuries and multiple fractures; attackers took his phone and threw it and one of his shoes into the sea. A child involved received a six-month probation order without conviction, while two men are still due to face court.
In short
- Farrugia admitted assaulting a Norwegian tourist at St Kilda pier.
- The tourist was falsely accused of photographing beachgoers.
- He suffered facial injuries and multiple fractures.
Explained simply
St Kilda pier is a popular seaside spot in Melbourne, Australia. Affray is a criminal offence involving fighting or threatening behaviour in public, while assault covers attacks that cause or threaten harm.
The case concerns a Norwegian visitor who was wrongly accused of taking photographs of women and children. Several people then attacked him, causing serious injuries; bystanders also became involved as they intervened.
The proceedings involve Taylah Farrugia and three males, with outcomes at different stages for those accused. The case has drawn attention to how a false accusation can lead to violence, and to the risks faced by people who step in during an attack.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Red bikini girl’ who bashed Norwegian tourist after falsely accusing him of photographing women at St Kilda pier is unmasked: Her wild clash with the Mail outside court and the moment she yawned at horror footage”.