Accused Schoolies mug basher has charges dropped

Charges have been dropped against a Queensland teenager accused of bashing another girl with a ceramic coffee mug during Schoolies celebrations.

Kate Nicole Szepanowski, 19, had been charged with assault with an offensive instrument during celebrations at a Surfers Paradise apartment complex last year.

But today she walked free from Southport Magistrates Court after the victim withdrew her complaint, The Courier-Mail reports.

Izzy Ruger, 18, previously claimed the Ipswich teenager had struck her over the head with the mug during an argument about 12.20am on November 19.

Police said they did not have enough evidence to proceed with the case.

Ms Szepanowski, represented by criminal lawyer Adam Magill, has long maintained her innocence.

"The fact that she has been vindicated is one thing," Mr Magill said outside court.

"But the primary issue my client has had is the fact that she should have never been charged in the first place."

Source: Courier-Mail

Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Kieran Campbell