Teen faces court over violent mugging near famed St Kilda restaurant

An 18-year-old alleged gang member has fronted a Melbourne court charged over a vicious assault near the popular Donovans restaurant in St Kilda.

Mechac Mukanu is accused of using an extendable baton to attack an innocent victim near the restaurant on Jacka Boulevard in December.

After police released images of suspects in the assault, the Point Cook teen handed himself in.

Mr Makuna told investigators he attacked the male victim because he had assaulted one of his friends.

The accused’s stepfather, a pastor at the Pentecostal Church, gave evidence during today’s bail hearing.

“I believe Mechac is a good boy,” Richard Mabiala told 9News outside the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

“I believe a bad person can become a good person… life can change.”

Mr Mukanu has been charged with six counts of unlawful assault, two counts of affray, intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, and obtaining financial advantage by deception paying for a taxi fare.

The 18-year-old’s lawyer attempted to suppress the accused's name, citing safety reasons.

He added that in light of far-right protests on the weekend, his client was at risk of physical harm.

But the magistrate rejected the request, saying there was no evidence of that claim.

The magistrate will make a decision on bail next week.

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