By Mikayla van Loon
Accused animal abuser Mark Martinaj, who allegedly beat a dog to death in Kilsyth, appeared before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court via video link on Tuesday for fear of a “security matter”.
A heavy police presence and many community supporters, donning white clothing and some carrying Justice for Millie signs, lined the court’s hallways prior to the mention hearing on 29 April.
The 39-year-old was charged with two counts of alleged animal cruelty after white Shih Tzu, Millie, and a golden retriever allegedly entered Martinaj’s property in Kilsyth on 3 December.
The owners of the dogs later claimed that CCTV footage from their house showed Martinaj beat Millie to death with a steel pole, while the golden retriever was able to escape.
Inside the courtroom, the owners of Millie and their family lined the front rows.
Having previously gone unrepresented, Martinaj engaged a lawyer just two to three days prior to the hearing, with a Mr Thomas representing him also via video.
Despite the lack of time, Mr Thomas said he was prepared to “progress to a contest mention”.
A suppression order was also filed on Tuesday morning by the accused’s lawyers in an attempt to keep his name and identity out of the media.
The judge, understanding the little preparation time for the defence and to review the suppression order request, adjourned the contest mention and suppression order application to Friday 2 May.
Mr Thomas made a request of the judge that his client, Martinaj, be able to again attend via video link.
This was denied by the judge who said “all parties should be physically present”.
Mr Thomas said the request was an extension of an email sent by the accused to the judge because it was a “security matter”.
At this, there were scoffs and laughs from the courtroom crowd.
Martinaj’s bail was extended to Friday when he would appear before the court.
Outside the courtroom, the crowd stayed to offer words of support and hugs to Millie’s owners and family.
