WEDDING SMASHERS
Windscreen punched, tempers flare in wild scenes as cops probe clash at exclusive Leopold venue.
A MAN punched the windscreen of a moving vehicle and then fell off it, and another man says his tyres were slashed when a wedding at a luxury Leopold manor drew to a dramatic close yesterday.
Police were called to Campbell Point House Saturday night, and again after the ruckus yesterday, hearing multiple allegations against the venue.
Bellarine police are now investigating after a string of claims by patrons at the function, attended by 40 people and costing tens of thousands of dollars. The Geelong Advertiser has been told patrons were at the venue from Friday to yesterday, with Campbell Point House’s Aaron Parkhill overseeing their function.
It’s alleged tempers flared when the father of the bride accused manager Mr Parkhill of making an unauthorised withdrawal from his bank account.
An email to police alleges Mr Parkhill mentioned his ownership of a gun to patrons.
Mr Parkhill had to fight a legal battle in 2017 to win back his firearms licence after a neighbour accused him of using his weapon irresponsibly.
In 2017, Campbell Point House was ordered to refund a $5875 wedding deposit, after a couple cancelled their planned wedding at the Leopold estate.
VCAT deputy president Ian Lulham found Mr Parkhill engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by telling the couple the venue could host 150 guests.
The venue and Mr Parkhill now face fresh claims from patrons who attended the function at the Leopold manor at the weekend. However, Mr Parkhill said “no comment” and hung up before the Geelong Advertiser got to ask him any questions about the allegations.
Victoria Police’s media unit released a statement about the incident yesterday afternoon.
“Police are investigating following reports of a dispute at a Matthews Rd reception centre in Leopold today,” the statement said.
“It is believed a man attempted to stop a vehicle and jumped onto the bonnet before falling from the vehicle about 11.30am.
“He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and no one has been arrested. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Video footage provided to the Geelong Advertiser shows a man — believed to be working for the venue — kneeling on the bonnet of a black Mercedes van as the driver tries to leave the venue yesterday morning.
The man angrily punches the windscreen of the vehicle.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen later confirmed a man in his 30s was taken to Geelong hospital from near the venue with hand injuries.
Mr Mullen said the injured man was in a stable condition, and said paramedics were called to the intersection of Matthews and Fitzgerald roads in Leopold at 11.52am.
Photos taken at the scene show police in attendance, and the van with a dented bonnet and shattered windscreen.
Police have also been told another vehicle at the property at the weekend later had to be towed after its tyres were allegedly punctured.