Luke Miller sentenced after Harvey Road Tavern fight
A man who was refused service after trying to get cash out in a pub pokies room, became aggressive towards staff and other patrons, getting into a fight.
Police & Courts
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A man who punched another patron during an incident at a Central Queensland tavern was on a suspended jail sentence at the time, a court has heard.
Luke Arthur Miller, 40, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to eight charges including public nuisance in the vicinity of licensed premises, two counts of obstructing police, and breaching bail.
Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said about 10.05pm on July 9, police were called to Harvey Road Tavern where a man had reportedly been assaulted by Miller who had also threatened staff.
Ms Leach said Miller had earlier tried to get cash out over the counter in the pokies room, but was refused service.
“This agitated (Miller) who began to become aggressive towards staff and other people at the tavern,” Ms Leach said.
“While at the tavern (Miller) has punched another patron... who sustained injury to the face.”
Ms Leach said Miller then fled the scene in a vehicle.
The court heard police then attended an Eloise Ct residence where Miller refused to let them in and they had to force entry.
Once entry was forced, Miller moved towards police and they retreated outside.
Ms Leach said Miller closed the door on police who requested numerous times for him to open it.
Police eventually gained access and Miller, who was forced to the ground, struggled while he was being arrested and handcuffed.
Miller had a three-page criminal history and he was on a suspended sentence at the time of committing these latest offences.
Solicitor Bianca Wieland said on the night of the tavern incident, Miller conceded he’d had too much to drink and he was “inappropriate to the bar staff.”
“With regards to the fight, it was initiated by the other gentleman and he (Miller) was defending himself,” Ms Wieland said.
Magistrate Mary Buchanan activated the suspended sentence, declared 11 days’ pre-sentence custody as time already served, and sentenced Miller to 10 months’ jail with immediate parole release.
Convictions were recorded.
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