Source : Perth Now news
Two women accused of vandalising RSL clubs with offensive graffiti on Anzac Day have revealed plans to fight the charges.
Edith Pope, 22, and Charlie Tidmarsh, 20, allegedly targeted two RSL clubs in Melbourne’s north, spray painting slogans including “f–k the Anzacs” and “death to the ADF”.
The two women appeared in the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning as their lawyer said there had been “no resolution” to the charges.
The case was set down for legal arguments in December and a two-day hearing in March next year.
In June, Ms Pope and Ms Tidmarsh were granted suppression orders barring media from publishing “any image or likeness” of the pair due to online threats made after reporting of the case.
Police alleged the two women were caught by officers graffitiing the Bell St RSL in Heidelberg about 1.45am on April 25.
It’s further alleged they spray painted offensive slogans on the Reservoir RSL in Reservoir earlier the same day.
Graffiti on the exterior walls of the two clubs allegedly included slogans such as; “F–k vets”, “Gallipoli – do it again” and “die war criminal imperialists”.
Ms Pope and Ms Tidmarsh have been charged with criminal damage, graffiti and grossly offensive conduct.
The two women, alongside four supporters, attended court on Tuesday wearing face masks.
Prosecutor Bianca Moleta told the court on their previous court date in June, magistrate Michael Wighton had raised concerns about the pair “hiding their identities” and calling for evidence to support claims the masks were for medical issues.
Ms Moleta said Ms Pope and Ms Tidmarsh had even worn wigs during the last hearing.
Magistrate Jan Maclean agreed, saying it was “not expected or appropriate for people to conceal their identities” in court unless there was valid reason to do so.
The two women’s lawyer then said medical certificates had been sent to the court.
“OK, that’s unusually vague but I’ll accept that for the purposes of this discussion,” Ms Maclean said after reviewing the certificates.
“It’s something you’re going to have to deal with more specifically when the matter is listed for hearing.”
Ms Pope and Ms Tidmarsh will return to court on December 3.
