‘No offence detected’: Victoria police close investigation into Moira Deeming allegation of assault by Matthew Guy
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Police have concluded their investigation into Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming’s allegation that her colleague Matthew Guy assaulted her, making the finding “no offence detected”.
Deeming had reported to police on 16 June that Guy, the opposition’s public transport spokesperson, had assaulted her at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May.
Sources close to Guy on Thursday said he vehemently denied the allegation and was considering a defamation legal action against Deeming.
In comments to the Age published on Friday, Guy said: “These claims were ridiculous and unsubstantiated, just as the police found”.
In a statement issued on late on Thursday night, police said they had “concluded an investigation following reports of an assault at a function venue on Sommerville Road in Sunshine West on 23 May.”
“It was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at an event,” police said.
“The woman did not require medical attention, and the incident was reported to police on 16 June.
“Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined there was no offence detected.
“Investigators have engaged with the woman who made the report.”
Both Deeming and Guy have been approached for comment.
The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, had refused to comment on the allegations while the investigation was under way.
Speaking on ABC Radio Mildura on Friday morning, Wilson thanked police for their “prompt” investigation but she would wait for Guy to address media before providing further comment.
“I’m pleased that the police investigation has concluded promptly, and that no offence has been detected,” Wilson said.
“I have given Matthew that opportunity this morning to respond. I’ve reached out to Moira to seek a conversation with her when she returns from overseas.”
Guy was expected to make a statement to media on Friday morning, with Wilson to hold a press conference in Mildura in the afternoon.
The allegation – just five months out from the election – has heaped pressure on Wilson, who, after her appointment as leader in November, had managed to bring stability to the Liberal party, which has endured years of infighting between the moderate and more conservative groupings.
The party also faces a serious challenge from a surging One Nation, which risks its chances to form a majority government.
Wilson last week embarked on a five-week tour of each of the state’s 88 electorates, to pitch the Coalition as ready to govern.
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