‘Race’ riot remorse

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren man handed himself into police this week over his alleged involvement in a riot in Oakleigh on Friday night, which caused an estimated $50,000 in property damage.
It is believed the riot developed from a protest at the cancellation of an Easternats car race, which used to be held at Sandown Park and had a large local following.
Maxwell Brett Lawson was charged with riotous behaviour, affray and criminal damage in an out of sessions court hearing at the Narre Warren police station on Monday night.
He presented himself at the Narre Warren police station around 2.30pm on Monday.
The 21-year-old said during the hearing that he was fuelled by alcohol on the night.
Detective Senior Constable Scott MacDonald told the hearing that the peaceful protest at the cancellation of an Easternats car race turned “ugly and the crowd became unruly” after a flare was thrown at a police car.
Det Sen Const MacDonald said Lawson threw a tyre rim into the window of a nearby Bob Jane T-Mart and helped overturn a ute.
He said Lawson, who has a two-year-old daughter, made full admissions.
“Friday night was fuelled by alcohol and anger and everything else. I know it’s no excuse,” Lawson said.
He told the hearing he had been “packing bricks” since the weekend.
“I am trying to prove that I am not a heartless person and someone that doesn’t care,” Lawson said.
Det Sen Const MacDonald said Lawson was seen in footage at the riot.
The 21-year-old was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning and will face court again on 27 July.