Julie Thelma Connolly in court for assault after pub brawl

A 64-year-old Qld pensioner who cares for her older husband shed tears as she faced court after weighing in on a brawl involving her son. Here is what went down:

A retired pensioner found herself in trouble with the law after she became involved in a violent pub brawl involving her son while having a drink at a hotel west of Bundaberg.

Julie Thelma Connolly, 64, pleaded guilty to common assault and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm when she faced the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 24.

The court heard that at about 3:30pm on October 23, 2021, Connolly was enjoying a drink with her son at a pub in Wallaville when he got into an altercation with people sitting near him.

A woman became involved in the altercation and she was the former partner of a man also involved, the court heard.

Police prosecutor Grant Klaassen told the court Connolly approached the woman from behind, flung her to the ground and pinned her down.

While she was on the ground, Connolly punched the woman several times.

The woman suffered bruising around her left eye, as well as pain and discomfort.

The court heard a 50 year-old woman tried to get her son to stop fighting Connolly’s son.

Connolly saw her son’s injuries and shouted “who did this to my son?”, it heard.

She picked up a chair and started to chase the 50-year-old woman with it. The woman did not receive any injuries as a result.

Connolly told the court “stress” played a role in what she did that day.

“I am a carer for my husband, he is seeking medical advice for his back. He’s 74 and he does need a lot of care and it is very, very stressful for me.”

Connolly became emotional when telling the court a doctor had recommended she see a psychologist.

“I certainly won’t go near anyone I don’t need to be around,” she said.

“I’ve not attended anywhere where they have been, and I have no desire to go looking for trouble.

“I just want to concentrate on my husband at the moment, that’s my main concern.

“I sincerely apologise for anything I have done and I really mean sincerely.”

Magistrate Edwina Rowan told Connolly she understood the offending was “out of character” for her.

“In the heat of a moment, there was a scuffle between a number of people,” Ms Rowan said.

“You are very fortunate there weren’t greater injuries to the people involved. You indicated you are apologetic and you indicated some genuine remorse before the court today.”

Connolly was fined $800, referred to SPER.