The organiser of a private party at an industrial shed on the western edge of Port Fairy in south-western Victoria in late May has been issued with a coronavirus regulation infringement fine for $1652.
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The gathering led to an incident which resulted in a 19-year-old man suffering a fractured skull and internal bleeding and being flown to a Melbourne hospital in a serious condition.
A 30-year-old man has been charged in relation to the alleged assault on Friday, May 29.
Detective Senior Constable Craig Wastell, of Warrnambool police, said a Port Fairy man was interviewed the following Sunday morning and charged with intentionally causing injury and affray.
He has been bailed to appear in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on September 21.
Police will allege there was an altercation about 10.30pm on the Friday night between two groups not believed to be known to each other at a party at an industrial shed in Awabi Court.
A 22-year-old Warrnambool man also received minor injuries.
Paramedics took both men to Warrnambool Base Hospital, where an air ambulance flew the Port Fairy teenager to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition.
Police said his injuries were not life threatening.
Investigations into the altercation were carried out by the Warrnambool detectives while responsibility for looking into whether there were COVID-19 regulation breaches were deferred to Port Fairy police.
On Monday Port Fairy police Sergeant Dave Walkely confirmed a coronavirus $1652 infringement notice had been issued to the gathering organiser.
It's understood that up to 30 people attended the industrial shed party, clearly a breach of the coronavirus restrictions at the time.
That was confirmed by security camera footage, but identifying who was in attendance was problematic due to the poor quality of the footage.
Police were also in the position of wanting information and/or statements from the people who attended in relation to one and possibly two alleged assaults.
But, obviously people with information were more reluctant than usual to come forward if they were going to be issued with COVID-19 tickets.
And, when police arrived at the industrial shed there were only about 10 people in attendance.
Police have not been able to confirm whether any other tickets will be issued.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
