Murrurundi mask madness: man in court over alleged assault after face mask refusal

Kirk Michael Vukelich, 53, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after allegedly attacking a 30-year-old employee at FoodWorks at Murrurundi on October 19.

Police claim Mr Vukelich had entered the store without wearing a face mask about 4.15pm and when the employee offered him a mask he became verbally aggressive and left.

He is accused of returning a short time later and walking behind the counter before allegedly repeatedly assaulting the employee and attempting to drag him from the store while making threats.

Customers helped the employee and Mr Vukelich allegedly left the store again.

The employee was later treated by paramedics for cuts and bruises to his face and swelling to his left eye before he was taken to Murrurundi Hospital.

Hunter Valley police launched an investigation and later went to a house in nearby Rosella Street where they arrested Mr Vukelich.

Mr Vukelich represented himself in Scone Local Court on Wednesday and did not enter a plea to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The matter was adjourned until December.