GOLDMAN the Viking was charged with assault yesterday after a fight behind the Dean Street shops where he had been busking.
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Ricky Miller, aka Goldman, was charged after a punch-up that left him bloodied in the alley behind Foto Supplies.
The busker allegedly punched the face of Nigel Watling, a security guard for Myer Centrepoint.
Mr Watling had been patrolling the centre’s perimeter when Miller took issue with him, police said.
Acting Sgt Paul Wiscombe said Miller became aggressive and abusive towards the victim, saying Mr Watling was harassing him.
Mr Watling told Miller that he was just doing his job and the argument escalated.
Miller allegedly punched Mr Watling in the head and the pair became involved in a scuffle.
Mr Watling punched the accused, who then released him.
The busker continued to come at Mr Watling until police arrived.
Miller was handcuffed and treated by paramedics before being taken to Albury Base Hospital for treatment.
He was released a short time later.
Miller was charged with common assault and will appear at Albury court on January 17.
Security footage seen by The Border Mail shows Miller and Mr Watling arguing.
But the pair step out of view for three minutes at about 12.20pm, presumably when punches were thrown.
Miller told The Border Mail on Tuesday that he was a busker from Melbourne.
However, police said yesterday Miller had no fixed address.
Miller had been plying his trade near The Bended Elbow on Wednesday and was in the same location yesterday morning.
Shop owners along the strip said he had been using the car park in Union Bank Lane, belonging to St Vincent de Paul, to spray himself gold for his show.
His performance involves him standing like a statue until coins are dropped.
Centre manager Trish Gardiner said Mr Watling, who is employed by Inter City Security, was on duty at the time and continued to work yesterday after the incident.
Inter City Security owner Stephen Piniotis said Mr Watling had more than 20 years’ experience.
“I’ve got no concerns about his behaviour, there’s no issue there,” he said.