Giuseppe Diego Scaffidi, the husband of Perth's former Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, has been convicted of assaulting an 82-year-old woman during a dispute over a parking spot. The verdict was delivered in the Perth Magistrates Court, marking a new chapter in the legal troubles for a family once at the pinnacle of the city's public life.
Court Hears Details of the Parking Lot Altercation
The incident occurred on February 22, 2024, in the Perth suburb of Wembley. According to the prosecution, Scaffidi, aged 66, became involved in a confrontation with the elderly woman after she asked him to move his vehicle, which was blocking a parking bay. The court heard that Scaffidi reacted aggressively, pushing the woman and causing her to fall to the ground.
The elderly victim sustained injuries from the fall, which required medical attention. During the trial, Magistrate Andrew Maughan heard evidence from the victim, witnesses, and police. Scaffidi had pleaded not guilty to the charge of common assault, claiming the contact was accidental. However, Magistrate Maughan found the prosecution's case compelling and rejected Scaffidi's version of events.
A Family History of Public Scrutiny
The conviction adds to the public notoriety of the Scaffidi name. Giuseppe Scaffidi is married to Lisa Scaffidi, who served as the Lord Mayor of Perth from 2007 until her resignation in 2018. Her tenure ended in disgrace following a series of scandals, most notably the findings by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) that she repeatedly failed to disclose gifts and travel contributions, including from entities like BHP Billiton.
Lisa Scaffidi was found to have breached the Local Government Act 36 times and was disqualified from holding public office for 18 months. The latest court case involving her husband brings renewed attention to the family's fall from grace within Perth's political and social circles.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Following the guilty verdict, Magistrate Maughan ordered a pre-sentence report. Giuseppe Scaffidi is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on December 4, 2024. The court will consider the circumstances of the assault, the impact on the victim, and Scaffidi's personal circumstances before determining a penalty, which could range from a fine to a community-based order or imprisonment.
The case highlights ongoing issues of conflict and accountability, even for individuals connected to former high-profile officials. For the elderly victim, the legal process has provided a measure of justice, while for Scaffidi, it represents a serious criminal conviction.
