MERNDA, VIC. — Liberal Party candidate Amanda Dow’s husband was allegedly bashed in Mernda after confronting a 59-year-old Mernda man who was trying to tear down a campaign sign.
The husband of Liberal Party candidate Amanda Dow was allegedly bashed after confronting someone trying to tear down a campaign sign in Mernda.
Yan Yean candidate Amanda Dow’s husband was taken to hospital on Sunday afternoon after allegedly being assaulted in Mernda.
The dramatic incident occurred when Ms Dow’s husband tried to stop the person removing a campaign sign.
“The Liberal Party is aware of an incident involving the husband of our candidate for Yan Yean, Amanda Dow, in Mernda on the afternoon of Sunday, October 25,” the party said in a statement.
“We understand Ms Dow’s husband approached a member of the public who was removing Liberal Party campaign signage and was allegedly assaulted.”
“He suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital and was discharged on Monday.
“We ask that the privacy of Ms Dow and her husband be respected while he recovers.
“As this is now a police matter, we will not be making any further comment.”
Victoria Police said in a statement that a 59-year-old Mernda man has been charged with reckless cause injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault.
“The charges follow an alleged assault in the vicinity of Abundant Avenue and Bridge Inn Road on 25 October about 2pm,” the statement said.
“Police have been told the victim attended an address to retrieve political campaign signage when he was assaulted.
“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment.”
Police released the 59-year-old man on bail, and he is set to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on February 1 next year.
Yan Yean is a marginal seat about 30km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
Ms Dow, a teacher, small business owner, and mother of one, hopes to snatch the seat from Labor’s Lauren Kathage at next month’s state election.
