Barry Siecker – who bashed a Fringe performer in Rundle Mall – jailed again for Waymouth Street assault

He once bashed a Fringe performer in Rundle Mall with a ukulele – now he’s in court again for yet another unprovoked CBD attack.

A violent man who was jailed for hitting an Adelaide Fringe entertainer in Rundle Mall has been jailed again – for another CBD assault.

Barry John Siecker, 31, assaulted a man on Waymouth St on May 16, knocking him out and causing a suspected broken jaw.

He previously pleaded guilty in the District Court to a charge of recklessly causing harm.

In sentencing, Chief Judge Michael Evans said Siecker’s violence “could not be tolerated”.

“Your offending was relatively unprovoked and violent,” he said.

He said Siecker had been arguing with the victim about 8pm then “hit him on the side of his head, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness”.

Barry Siecker is arrested in Rundle Mall after bashing a Fringe performer with his own ukulele. Picture: Shaun Hollis

He was arrested on Currie Street about half an hour later but was “significantly intoxicated” and not interviewed by police.

The victim was taken by ambulance to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, but discharged himself about 11.20pm

“Police were later advised by the RAH that the victim had suspected broken jaw and multiple broken teeth,” Chief Judge Evans said.

He said Siecker’s criminal history dated back to 2009, including multiple convictions for offences of violence. Those included hitting a motel employee in February 2022, assaulting a street performer in Rundle Mall in 2020, fighting in Hindley Street in 2018 and punching a man aged over 60 at Elizabeth in 2016.

Barry Siecker is pinned down in Rundle Mall after a busker was attacked. Picture: Shaun Hollis.

Busker Matt Eberhart after he was attacked on Rundle Mall while dressed as a banana. Picture: Shaun Hollis

The court has previously heard Sicker had “developed an incredibly dangerous habit of punching members of the public to the head” and on the day had been arguing with his partner before the victim intervened.

Barry Siecker is arrested after a busker was bashed with a ukulele in Rundle Mall. Picture: Shaun Hollis.

Siecker was previously jailed for the attack on Fringe performer who was playing a ukulele in Rundle Mall while dressed as a banana.

He tore the ukulele from the performer’s hands and hit him over the head with it before being restrained by onlookers.

Chief Judge Evans said a psychologist who reviewed Siecker found him to be “impulsive, hostile, impatient and unempathetic”.

“He expressed the opinion that the combination of impulsivity, resentment and high energy levels may cause you to have little consideration for the needs of others and to lash out impulsively at those around you when cross,” he said.

Chief Judge Evans said Siecker had an “extremely traumatic childhood”, which included being abducted at gunpoint as a toddler.

“You have been greatly affected by the disadvantages you have faced since your birth. These have been exacerbated by your homelessness, living on the streets, substance abuse and mental health concerns,” he said.

Allowing for the discount, Chief Judge Evans reduced a nine-month prison term to five months and 26 days.

Siecker will be eligible for parole in November.