Assault charge against Yarra mayor Stephen Jolly dismissed

Yarra mayor Stephen Jolly was accused of striking a woman in the face during a scuffle at a venue in 2024. ( ABC News: Kristian Silva )

An assault charge against Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly has been dismissed by as magistrate.

Cr Jolly was accused of striking a gatecrasher after she arrived at a 2024 election afterparty to protest.

Magistrate Jill Prior says although she was satisfied Cr Jolly made contact with the woman, the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt he intended to assault her.

Longtime City of Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly has been cleared of punching a protester at a 2024 local government election afterparty.

Magistrate Jill Prior today dismissed an assault charge against Cr Jolly, who was accused of striking a woman in the face when the event was gatecrashed.

Magistrate Prior said she was satisfied Cr Jolly made contact with the face of Estella Burrows, but ruled the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to commit assault.

She said the incident occurred during a "chaotic" series of events that lasted between 30 seconds and a minute.

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