Ebony Bell has received a 12-month community corrections order and a $300 fine after pleading guilty to two separate incidents of violence, including an attack on independent Senator Lidia Thorpe outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in May 2024.
The 29-year-old initially faced an anger management course for the MCG assault but later committed a second “gratuitous act of violence” while on bail, leading to additional charges related to an incident at a Warrnambool pub in August 2025.
Bell admitted to recklessly causing injury to Thorpe and unlawfully assaulting two others during a verbal altercation outside the MCG’s Gate 1. CCTV footage showed Bell pursuing Thorpe and her companions after they attempted to leave, resulting in punches to Thorpe’s head and jaw, as well as assaults on a male friend and a woman attempting to intervene.
Thorpe submitted victim impact statements detailing physical injuries, including a bruised lip and neck, and described “long-lasting” psychological trauma. Magistrate Jillian Prior acknowledged that the assault compounded Thorpe’s existing experiences as a First Nations senator.
Prosecutor Bianca Moleta characterized the attacks as “terrifying” and advocated for a community work order, citing Bell’s continued aggression. Bell’s defense lawyer, Carmendy Cooper, argued her client’s actions stemmed from distress over alleged disrespect toward her mother, emphasizing acceptance of responsibility and prospects for rehabilitation.
Following the August 2025 incident at the Whalers Hotel, where Bell struck a security guard with her phone and kicked him while on the ground, Moleta sought imprisonment, describing Bell as “a woman on a mission.” However, Cooper contended the pub altercation was a response to perceived racial discrimination.
Bell was ultimately sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order, with requirements for alcohol addiction treatment and anger management. Senator Thorpe stated the conclusion of the case brought relief, noting public speculation had complicated the process. She reiterated her earlier advocacy against a prison sentence and clarified she had no prior acquaintance with Bell.
Also Read
- Two Police Officers Fatally Shot in Gun Attack in Northwest Pakistan
- Ukraine Aims to Use Crimea as Sexpressure Point to Push Russia Toward Peace
- French Mortality Spike of 30% During June Heatwave, Health Authority Reports
- Iranian general warns of ‘harsh response’ if Israel, US attack during Khamenei’s funeral