French Men Face Charges for Climbing High-Rise Building Stunt
Emergency crews were notified of a man climbing the 55-storey Avani building on A’Beckett Street in the Melbourne CBD at around 7:50 am on Feb. 6.
Two French nationals have been charged after one was caught allegedly scaling the side of a Melbourne skyscraper without any safety gear.
Videos posted to social media appeared to show the climber grasping onto a white pole alongside the building’s facade as he ascended towards the top wearing a black backpack.
Police met the 29-year-old man from Newry, later identified as Anthony Andolfo, once he reached the top of the building around 8:20 am before escorting him down and arresting him.
He was charged with reckless conduct endangering injury and trespass.
A second French man who allegedly filmed the incident on a drone was arrested at Box Hill in Melbourne’s east about 10:45 am. The 25-year-old, identified as Hugo Frohlinger, was charged with public nuisance.
No one was injured and both men appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday night, Feb. 6.
