Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly cleared of unlawful assault charge

Stephen Jolly, the Mayor of Yarra, has been acquitted of an unlawful assault charge following an incident at a post-election celebration in Fitzroy on November 1, 2024. The case centered on an altercation involving community activist Estella Burrows, who, along with several masked protesters, had entered the private event to protest against the mayor.

During a five-day contested hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Jill Prior determined that while Jolly did strike the left side of Burrows’ face, the prosecution failed to prove the contact was intentional beyond a reasonable doubt. The magistrate noted the scene was chaotic and suggested the motion might have been an attempt to disarm the group of a megaphone or to move them away.

Following the verdict, Jolly expressed relief, stating the matter had hung over him for two years. He characterized the incident as a political vendetta and indicated he may seek intervention orders against the protesters. Ms. Burrows expressed disappointment with the decision, suggesting the justice system favors powerful individuals.