After trying to remove a belligerent man from a car park on Melbourne Cup day, Etima Lokondo was forced to defend himself when the man shaped up in a fighting stance and was, in Mr Lokondo's mind, attempting to steal a vehicle.

Mr McGirr forensically replayed the CCTV footage to the court repeatedly pausing to show examples of what he said was Mr Maroun looking for a fight.

He said various parts of the footage showed Mr Maroun “goading” Lokondo, “clenching his right fist” and walking with a “staunch body” and “fighting stance”.

“What we have is someone encouraging us to fight, them encroaching on our space on at least three occasions and following my client in a quick manner,” Mr McGirr said.

“The prosecution has failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.”

Magistrate Millege has reserved her decision until August.