Mikayla Smith has pleaded guilty to charges connected with the assault of an Indian-Australian community leader near Westfield Parramatta in Sydney. The matter has been listed for sentencing on 22 January 2026 at the Bankstown Local Court.
The incident, which occurred earlier this month, drew widespread public outrage after witnesses alleged the attack was racially motivated. NSW Police arrested Mikayla Smith shortly after the incident and charged her with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
NSW Premier Chris Minns had earlier expressed deep concern over the reports, saying he was troubled by allegations that the victim—a well-known community figure—was targeted because of his background.
“No person in New South Wales should be targeted or intimidated because of their background or identity,” the Premier said. He offered support to the victim and his family, urged anyone with information to assist police, and reiterated that racism has no place in the state. Minns also welcomed the NSW Police investigation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring communities feel safe, respected and supported.
Community leaders have also condemned the attack. NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, called it “a shocking incident,” adding that every individual has the right to feel safe in their community.
“Racism and violence must be confronted whenever they appear. Looking away only makes things worse — this is something that affects all of us,” he said.
Eyewitnesses had said after the assault that the victim was walking with colleagues to a Parramatta Council meeting when a Caucasian woman suddenly approached and punched him on the head, using racial slurs before fleeing the scene.
The attackers reportedly shouted, “F*** off, Indian. Go back to where you came from,” after the unprovoked assault as the victim was walking out of Level 2 at Westfield Parramatta.
A social media user also posted an account of the attack on Reddit, saying, “Witnessed a racial attack at Westfield Parramatta… an old Indian man being punched in the head by a white female… There were racist obscenities said by them too… I believe they got the man urgent care, and the CCTV systems are everywhere so they will be identified soon.”
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