A charge against a Tasmanian DJ accused of headbutting former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been upgraded to one that carries a maximum 10-year jail term.
Astro Labe, 38, was charged with common assault after a September 21 incident on the waterfront in Hobart, Tasmania.
The charge has now been amended to causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Mr Labe appeared briefly in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday morning.
Tony Abbott headbutting charge against Hobart DJ Astro Labe upgraded to one carrying 10-year jail term https://t.co/FoAHQ7CTCR pic.twitter.com/85181wgBnV
— ABC News Tasmania (@abcnewsTas) October 23, 2017
He did not enter a plea and his bail was continued.
At the time of the incident, Mr Abbott told the media the attacker was wearing a "Vote Yes" badge. The former Australian prime minister said he was attacked in Hobart by a man who headbutted him after asking to shake his hand.
Mr Labe stated after being charged that the incident "had nothing whatsoever to do with marriage equality".
The case will return to court on January 18.
- ABC