Tag: Brawl

Manly Wharf Brawl: New Details Emerge in Court About Teen Attack

Photo Credit: Google Maps

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.

Read: NRL Shake-Up: Daly Cherry-Evans Confirms Departure from Sea Eagles

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 A rioting charge against Jensen has been withdrawn, according to court proceedings.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.

Read: North Head Volunteers Rebuild Colonial-Era Gun Carriage in Manly

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

Manly Wharf Owners Reassure Community After Youth Violence

The new owners of Manly Wharf have reassured the community of their commitment to safety following a violent brawl involving around 30 youths that erupted on The Esplanade last week.

Read: Artemus Group Takes Over Hugo’s Manly, Pledges Brand Expansion

Artemus Group highlighted the security measures already in place, including 24/7 precinct-wide security and state-of-the-art CCTV. It announced plans to relocate public bathrooms from the basement to the ground floor to improve visibility and safety.

The fight, which took place near Manly Wharf, saw a teenage boy attacked by a group of young people who punched and kicked him.  Witnesses described chaotic scenes as bystanders attempted to intervene and were also assaulted. Police were called to the scene around 9:00 p.m. and found a knife on the ground, but most of the youths had already fled.

Arrests and Charges

Manly Wharf
Photo Credit: Manly Observer TV/ Youtube

Following an investigation, police arrested an 18-year-old man at Bonnyrigg and a 15-year-old boy at Manly Police Station. Both have been charged with riot and affray. The 15-year-old is also facing two counts of common assault.  The 18-year-old will appear in Manly Local Court later this month, while the 15-year-old will face a children’s court in early February.

Community Response

Manly Wharf
Photo Credit: Manly Observer TV/ Youtube

The incident has sparked concern among Manly residents, with many taking to social media to express their shock and call for greater safety measures.  Two witnesses, Simon and Renee, described seeing the boy being attacked and said he was “screaming for his life.” They intervened and helped the boy find safety in a nearby restaurant but were themselves assaulted in the process. Simon urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of violence and stressed that such incidents can happen anywhere, even in Manly.

Read: Manly Cafe Calls for Change in $21,000 Outdoor Dining Charges

Manly Wharf Taking Action

Artemus Group acknowledged the community’s concern and emphasised its dedication to providing a safe and family-friendly environment. It cooperated fully with the police investigation and is committed to working with local authorities to prevent future incidents.

Published Date 13-Jan-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels