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3mo ago

Police Close Probe of Deeming’s Headlock Claim as MP Refuses to Apologise

The decision to close the inquiry after CCTV review leaves Moira Deeming facing a party vote that could cost her the Liberal top ticket and affect the party’s appeal before the state election.

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Liberal MP Moira Deeming claimed she was assaulted by a parliamentary colleague at a function. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
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A woman leaving a meeting room in parliament

Overview

  • Moira Deeming reported that former leader Matthew Guy put her in a headlock at a Macedonian community event, an incident that occurred on May 23 and was later referred to Victoria Police.
  • Victoria Police reviewed CCTV footage of the interaction and announced in late June that there was "no offence detected," prompting the closure of the criminal inquiry.
  • Deeming, speaking through Perth lawyer Tim Houweling, said she "misunderstood the technical meaning of the term 'headlock'", maintained she acted in good faith and refused to apologise to Guy.
  • Matthew Guy has publicly demanded a full apology, threatened legal action over damage to his reputation, and has the backing of party leader Jess Wilson and other senior Liberals.
  • The Victorian Liberal Party state executive will meet in early July to decide whether to remove Deeming as the No. 1 candidate for Western Metropolitan Region, a move that would likely end her electoral chances and shape the party’s campaign ahead of the November election.