Benjamin Francis Hodder pleads guilty to Mackay nightclub assault

A Mackay tradie has to pay his victim compensation after slamming his head into a bar twice in a shocking assault. The attack was ‘out of character’ for the father of three heavily involved in junior sport.

A Mackay tradie has to pay his victim $500 in compensation after slamming his head into a bar twice in a shocking New Year’s Eve assault at a popular nightclub.

The 39 year old had been at the Rabbit Hole bar with his brother-in-law’s mate when the violent offending occurred about 12.30am on January 1, 2022.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard the pair had gotten along in the lead up to this but the victim had said “something derogatory”.

Benjamin Francis Hodder pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to assault causing bodily harm.

Benjamin Francis Hodder “can’t remember the exact words” but it was enough for him to lose control.

And Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said she readily accepted this based on information placed before her.

“You immediately grabbed him by the back of the neck and struck his head on the bar two times in quick succession,” Ms Hartigan said.

Hodder left the bar when a third person stepped between the two men.

The court heard there was a lot of blood and the victim was taken to Mackay Base Hospital but ultimately only suffered a minor injury – a single cut to his forehead.

Hodder slammed another man's head into the bar at Rabbit Hole on Jan 1, 2022.

The court heard Hodder suffered some mental health issues and he had engaged in binge drinking to deal with the stressors.

“On this night it would seem that you have lost control of your emotions,” Ms Hartigan said.

“I read that this is completely out of character for you.”

A number of references described Hodder’s character as usually very calm.

The court heard the father of three was heavily involved in junior sport and also fundraised for a number of community groups.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan accepted there was a background to the offending and that it was “out of character”.

He had a good work history as a plumber and roofer and was well thought of within the community.

The court heard he also offered to pay compensation to the victim, which was deemed as genuine remorse for his conduct.

Hodder pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm.

Jail was not a last resort for this type of offending, but Ms Hartigan determined a $1000 fine was appropriate.

Hodder must also pay $500 compensation and a conviction was not recorded.