Rikisha Jane Dann: Geraldton woman accused of assaulting journalist disputes facts, will head to trial

A woman who allegedly assaulted and threatened a journalist in Geraldton has appeared in court where she disputed the facts of her assault charge. Rikisha Jane Dann, 48, is charged with common assault and making a threat to unlawfully do an act, following a confrontation against ABC journalist Phoebe Pin on October 4 last year. According to police, Ms Dann was driving along Marine Terrace when she spotted Ms Pin, who had previously reported on Ms Dann’s appearances in court. Ms Dann allegedly stopped, walked over to Ms Pin, touched her with her shoulder, and began yelling insults and threats at her, telling the journalist she would rip her hair out and “bash” her head. Ms Pin previously worked for the Geraldton Guardian, where she wrote a number of articles on Ms Dann. Ms Dann admitted to the common assault but said she disputed the facts, and maintained her plea of not guilty to the threat charge. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Ross Gray said there was CCTV evidence of the alleged offences. Ms Dann is due to appear in court for her trial on March 23, where the facts of the offence will be covered.