Birthday bash: Man allegedly sends RSL into lockdown, family “sought shelter”

A courtroom has heard how a 27-year-old man ruined his own birthday celebrations at the local RSL, allegedly abusing multiple people, including his mother and forcing the RSL “into lockdown”.

The 27-year-old is alleged to have set the RSL "into lockdown" after a stream of violence. Picture: Hervey Bay RSL

A 27-YEAR-OLD man allegedly sent the Hervey Bay RSL into lockdown at his own birthday celebration.

Hervey Bay Magistrates Court heard on Thursday Matthew Roy Collins also abused multiple people, including his own mother, at the birthday gathering, where family members were forced to seek shelter from him.

It was alleged that on February 22, about 10.30pm, an argument broke out.

"The defendant has been involved in a verbal argument with several family members, during the argument the defendant has physically pushed and dragged his mother to the ground," Police Prosecutor Louese McConnell said.

Security officers at the RSL and members of the public in the RSL at the time, intervened before Collins allegedly verbally abused security and staff and family members "sought shelter".

"The defendant's family members involved have sought shelter within the RSL and the licensed premise was put into lockdown, whilst the defendant was in a tirade at the entrance doors.

"Members of the public were unable to enter or leave the licensed premise as a result."

Police arrived, detaining Collins, who "refused to comply with police directions," as he allegedly called a female staff member a 'f***ing blonde dog'.

Collins is alleged to have sent Hervey Bay’s RSL into lockdown, after a stream of violence, which included where he’s alleged to have physically assaulted his mother.

Collins was then "arrested and restrained with handcuffs, continuing to offer passive resistance, pushing back on police and dropping his weight while walking" McConnell added.

Defence Duty Lawyer Warren Hunter said Collins "suffers mental illnesses" and overdosed the following night the events occurred.

"The next night he overdosed, probably because of his ongoing mental health problems," he said.

"This is a man who's crying out for help."

Facing the court with one charge of public nuisance within a licensed premise and one charge of obstructing a police officer on a licensed premise, the magistrate requested a pre-sentencing report on his mental health status.

Collins pleaded guilty to both charges and his matter was adjourned, with his bail enlarged.

He will be back in court on April 8, 2021.

If you need help phone Lifeline 24 hours on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Birthday bash: Man allegedly sends RSL into lockdown, family “sought shelter”