Sydney man denies assaulting news photographer at Cronulla
A Sydney man has pleaded not guilty to intimidating a reporter and assaulting a photographer after a Fraser Anning press conference.
Max Towns was charged in April after an altercation with a News Corp photographer in Cronulla, where it's alleged his camera equipment knocked to the ground and his shirt was torn.
Towns, 19, on Thursday had his first mention before a registrar at Sutherland Local Court, where his lawyer entered pleas of not guilty to the charges of intimidation and common assault.
The scuffle between Towns and Robinson at Dunningham Park. Picture: Andrew Leeson, AAP
Police allege Towns made intimidatory comments to News journalist Eliza Barr and assaulted photographer Dylan Robinson when he tried to intervene.
It followed a press conference in which Senator Anning announced the Conservative National Party candidate for the prime minister's seat of Cook and part of his NSW ticket for the Senate.
Senator Anning was on the opposite side of the park at the time and said he didn't see the incident or know if Towns was a supporter.
Towns (centre) leaves Sutherland Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Dean Lewins, AAP
The Queensland politician - who's called for a ban on all Muslim immigration - said he didn't advocate violence.
A police bail document filed in court states Towns is an ''associate'' of a far-right political group and his alleged actions in late April were unprovoked. His bail conditions stipulate the 19-year-old can't contact Barr or Robinson, can't attend political assemblies, protests or press conferences, and must not enter the Sutherland Shire except to attend court.
His matter is due back in the same court on June 27.
- Australian Associated Press