Wedding guest accused of biting ear of ex-Tigers skipper Kane Johnson by: Paul Anderson
From: Herald Sun
February 14, 2012 FORMER Tigers skipper Kane Johnson's ear was bitten and he was punched to the ground and jumped on at a mate's wedding, a court has heard.
Johnson, who retired from AFL football in 2009, was sitting at the Laika Bar in St Kilda, when he was attacked in the early hours of February 5, Melbourne Magistrates' Court was told yesterday.
The Herald Sun believes the attack took place at former Richmond player Kayne Pettifer's wedding.
Johnson's accused attacker, wedding guest Matthew Barton, applied for bail yesterday.
Det Sen-Constable Murray Gentner, of St Kilda police, said wedding celebrations had moved to the Laika Bar, in Fitzroy St, when Johnson was attacked about 2.30am.
Sen-Constable Gentner said Mr Barton, 23, walked from the bar to where Johnson was sitting, put his arm around him and bit his ear and then punched him in the face.
Mr Barton then jumped on Johnson as he lay on the floor, the court heard.
Sen-Constable Gentner said Johnson had no idea why he was attacked.
Johnson went to The Alfred hospital for treatment and a hospital in Yea the next day with a lacerated and damaged ear, damaged teeth and other injuries.
Sen-Constable Gentner said that after allegedly assaulting Johnson, Mr Barton approached another male wedding guest and punched him in the head three times.
That man was knocked unconscious and was taken to hospital with a fractured cheekbone and neck damage, the court was told.
Police were called and subdued Mr Barton with capsicum spray.
He faces five charges, including intentionally causing serious injury and affray.
The court was told Mr Barton, a former Xavier College student, was on bail facing assault-related charges at the time of the incident.
Prosecutor Cara Foote opposed bail, saying Mr Barton was an unacceptable risk of committing further offences.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg adjourned the bail application until February 23, pending the possible release of psychiatric reports.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/wedding-guest-accused-of-biting-the-ear-of-former-tigers-skipper-kane-johnson/story-fn7x8me2-1226270107967