Perth Voice Interactive

STUART LOFTHOUSE says he’s to face formal assault charges following a scuffle in Vincent council chambers on July 22.

The Leederville cafe owner has told the Voice police have informed him his summons is in the mail, and he is to be charged with assault of a public officer. Conviction carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ gaol.

Mr Lofthouse says the complaint was lodged by Vincent council’s rangers manager Steve Butler who, along with senior ranger Simon Giles, had attempted to evict Mr Lofthouse from a council meeting when he’d refused to leave.

Mayor John Carey had directed him to leave following sustained interjections.

Mr Lofthouse says he intends to fight the charges, and he still wants to lodge his own police complaint against the rangers.

Police spokesperson Samuel Dinnison has confirmed “both the victim and a person of interest to the investigation have been spoken to, and officers are in the final stages of completing the investigation”.

by DAVID BELL