In a Sydney court hearing Wednesday, disturbing new details came to light regarding a violent January brawl where approximately 20 young males pursued a 13-year-old boy who sought refuge in Fratelli Fresh, a popular family restaurant near Manly Wharf.
The Manly Local Court heard that frightened diners abandoned their meals as the group attempted to force entry into the Italian eatery located at the corner of Belgrave Street and West Esplanade. Several patrons reported being spat on while fleeing the establishment.
According to police statements, members of the public intervened to protect the teenager, “charging through the pack” to help him to his feet and escorting him to safety inside the restaurant. A woman who assisted in blocking the restaurant door was allegedly assaulted during the confrontation. Police later discovered a knife hidden among pot plants near the entrance.
Royce Trevor Jensen, a 20-year-old from Wyong, has pleaded guilty to affray and common assault charges. Court documents indicate Jensen was charged with assault for spitting on the woman who attempted to prevent the group from entering the restaurant. Police noted there was no suggestion that Jensen directly assaulted the 13-year-old victim, who eventually escaped through the restaurant’s back door.
Jensen is one of three individuals charged as part of Strike Force Crookhaven, an investigation established by Northern Beaches Police following the January 6 incident. A rioting charge against Jensen has been withdrawn, according to court proceedings.
Also appearing in court was 18-year-old Emillio Martinez from Bonnyrigg Heights, who has pleaded guilty to affray. His Legal Aid solicitor indicated they are seeking to have an additional rioting charge against Martinez dropped.
A third suspect, a 15-year-old male charged with common assault, riot, and affray, has appeared separately in Surry Hills Children’s Court.
Jensen, who appeared via video link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater, did not apply for bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 3. Martinez, currently on bail, will next appear on May 7.
Published 26-March-2025
