Dining partner of woman describes ‘tense’ dinner exchange with Dustin MartinJon Kaila
Herald Sun
January 19, 2016 THE dining partner of a woman who claimed Richmond ace Dustin Martin threatened her with a chopstick in a Melbourne restaurant, has spoken publicly for the first time.
The man, who has given statements to police and the AFL, said the 60-second exchange was “tense” and the “adrenaline was flowing”.
He described Tiger star Martin gesticulating wildly as he spoke with the chopstick in his hand, at times coming close to her face.
“The chopstick was in his hand and he was talking with his hands,” said the man, who wished to stay anonymous.
“It came close to her face. She was sitting down in a small amount of space. She was leaning back, to avoid it (the chopstick).”
He added: “I don’t know if it was deliberate but I understand how it was perceived to be threatening.”
His partner told AFL investigators Martin had said: “I’ll f---ing stab you.’’
Her companion said he did not hear those words, but did not believe the woman was fabricating her story and it could have occurred, given the context.
The man told the Herald Sun: “He (Martin) said, ‘Are you going to f---ing dob me in?’, and she replied: ‘Yes, I’ll be calling them (the club)’.
“He then slapped the wall out of frustration. I don’t think it was targeted at her, but it was just near her head.”
He said he also did not hear Martin make a threat to kill at Mr Miyagi restaurant in Chapel St on December 5 — as one other witness reported.
Victoria Police determined no criminal offence took place after the woman declined to make a statement, as it is understood she did not wish to be dragged into a public court case.
Both Richmond and the AFL last week added there was “no evidence’’ to support the allegation Martin threatened the complainant.
AFL Integrity officers on Thursday said Martin had no case to answer.
The club fined him $5000 but then suspended the penalty, saying the damage to his reputation was punishment enough.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/dining-partner-of-woman-describes-tense-dinner-exchange-with-dustin-martin/news-story/d2aa4e296d1c8c58f9c8ba0ba1121cc4
