Deacon sentenced over ‘un-Christian’ punch up at Ipswich church

The deacon of a well-known Ipswich church has faced court for sentencing over a very public spat that ended in a punch up.

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The deacon of a well-known Ipswich church has faced court after an “un-Christian” spat with a fellow parishioner ended in a punch-up in front of the congregation.

Taua Meauli Faamate, 58, was stood down after he was charged by police, pleaded guilty to a single count of serious assault of a person over 60.

The court heard that on November 22 last year Faamate argued with the church’s treasurer and his friend of 20 years over a disagreement on church spendings.

Faamate became increasingly frustrated at the friend. In a fit of anger, he punched the friend in the face causing his nose to bleed, Ipswich Magistrates Court was told.

The court heard the friend turned and walked away.

Faamate tried to apologise and shake his friend’s hand, but he refused.

The incident was reported to police, who obtained CCTV footage and witness statements before questioning Faamate at his home in February this year.

Faamate told them his friend had said something he “didn’t like” and that he had “felt verbally assaulted”, so he punched him out of anger.

The court was told the disagreement between the men was resolved after a meeting was set up by other church leaders.

Judge Dennis Kinsella noted Faamate’s lack of criminal history and acknowledged he had already been punished by the humiliation he suffered and the loss of his role as deacon.

Faamate was fined $600. No conviction was recorded.