Ananova :

A protester who squashed a cream pie in the face of an Australian politician has admitted he acted stupidly.

Marcus Brumer's lawyer Felicity Hampel made the admission at an appeal in Melbourne against his one month prison term.

He was convicted of assault after the pie attack on Victorian premier Steve Bracks in October last year.

County court judge Eugene Cullity has put off his decision until Friday.

Ms Hampel said the "pie-ing" at the opening of the Melbourne Museum last year wasn't intended to threaten, cause affront, or to put in fear of pain or harm Mr Bracks.

She said Brumer, 31, of Upwey, behaved stupidly in his attempt to draw attention to alleged police violence against protesters at the World Economic Forum in Melbourne a year ago.

She said Brumer wanted the action to be "taken in a humorous way".

"It was an un thought out act and he did not foresee the consequences," she said.

Brumer is also appealing against a Aus$750 (£250) fine imposed for offensive behaviour.

Mr Bracks was walking toward the museum entrance, leading two children by the hand, when Brumer rushed at him with the cream pie. A young boy lost his balance and fell, The Australian reports.

Crown prosecutor Michael Jones said the boy was bruised in the fall and was distressed.

Earlier, outside the court, Brumer said: "It wasn't an act of vengeance, and it wasn't done from hatred or anger. I'm sorry to Mr Bracks if he was upset."

Story filed: 21:33 Wednesday 19th September 2001

• Assaults
• Crime
• Politics
• Quirkies
• Australia
• World

• Law and order

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