Justin Higonia Bautista: Man belts child for asking for girlfriend’s nude photos

A boy was punched repeatedly in a tense confrontation in the Dalby McDonald’s carpark after he reportedly asked a woman for nude photos, angering her boyfriend.

A Dalby man punched a 15-year-old boy repeatedly and tried to goad him into a fight, after seeing Snapchat messages where the younger boy asked the man’s girlfriend for nude photos.

Justin Higonia Bautista was with a group of friends when he instigated a confrontation with his victim in the Dalby McDonald’s car park, knocking food out of the boy’s hand and pushing him to the ground.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the 18-year-old called his victim a “pussy” and told him to “get up and fight”.

The Dalby Magistrates Court was told the young boy told his aggressor he didn’t want to fight and attempted to leave.

Bautista followed the boy before punching him repeatedly, including in the face and the back of the neck.

After being struck multiple times, the victim called police.

Sergeant Chris Hutchins commended the boy for his response and for seeking help.

Lawyer Claire Graham told the court her client became enraged after social media messages showed the younger boy had asked Bautista’s girlfriend for explicit photos.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan warned Bautista things could have ended much worse for both parties.

“You’re fortunate he didn’t fall and hit his head on the cement, then you’d be on much more serious charges,” she said.

Bautista pleaded guilty to common assault and was fined $900. No conviction was recorded.