Craig Andrew McGrath appeared in Blackwater Court for assaulting a coworker at Duaringa Hotel

The duty manager of a Central Queensland pub has faced court after an argument with a female co-worker became physical. Here’s what happened in court.

A manager at a Central Queensland pub has lost his job after just nine days in the role after kicking a female co-worker in the backside.

Craig Andrew McGrath, 52, appeared in Blackwater Magistrates Court on June 21 where he pleaded guilty to one count of serious assault person over 60.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Todd told the court the victim was a co-worker of McGrath’s at the Duaringa Hotel, where the incident took place about 3.20pm on May 29, 2022.

The court heard the victim told McGrath she was quitting her job due to ongoing workplace conflict between herself, McGrath and his wife - who were both duty managers at the venue.

Sgt Todd said the victim went into the kitchen to gather her things while she and McGrath were in a verbal argument.

The court heard when the victim got to the side exit of the building and had her back to McGrath, he kicked her in the backside with his right foot with force.

Words were exchanged between the victim and McGrath before she left a few moments later.

The victim made an assault complaint to police and when interviewed by officers, McGrath admitted he assaulted the woman and expressed regret for doing so.

McGrath claimed to police that in the moments prior to the kick the victim spat at him and said words to the effect of “your wife would have to be a silly s--- to be with you”.

The court heard McGrath told police the kick was spontaneous and an ‘act of frustration and anger’ in response to the ‘verbal abuse about his wife and being spat at’.

The victim denied she made the remark nor spat on McGrath.

McGrath’s lawyer, Casey Wilson, said McGrath and his wife had been made duty managers at the Duaringa Hotel nine days before he incident occurred and had lost their jobs because of it.

“My client has shown significant insight and remorse for his actions,” Ms Wilson said.

“He knows full well what he did was not okay and was not acceptable. He tells me it was a build up of frustration and anger over the abuse that was directed towards his wife and being spat at and he felt he needed to defend his wife.”

Ms Wilson said McGrath had been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety and that his mental health had gotten worse this year, but was getting professional help.

Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert noted McGrath had a like offence on his record from 2013.

Ms Gilbert sentenced McGrath to a $1000 good behaviour bond for 12 months.

No conviction was recorded.