Brandon James Turner pleads guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm

A soon-to-be father, charged with serious assault after sending someone over a railing, was trying to “deescalate” a bad situation, a court has heard.

Brandon James Turner faced Mackay Magistrates Court for an incident where he defended his pregnant wife. Photo: Contributed.

A young diesel fitter with his first child on the way ended up in court after intervening in an argument between his wife and another person.

Brandon James Turner was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm for a push that sent his victim over a railing on April 23.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Turner had no previous history of violence and had tried to de-escalate the situation.

Defence lawyer Jordana Abela said the 25-year-old was the sole income earner for his young family and had married his partner, an aged care worker, in 2021.

“Mr Turner does accept the facts (but says) his memory is a bit hazy due to his intoxication on the night,” Ms Abela said.

“He is remorseful for his actions (and) in hindsight he could have handled the situation differently and he does accept violence is not the answer to any situation.

“He is supported in court today by his wife, his mother, his mother-in-law, and his uncle.

“Mr Turner has a good work history and commenced an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner after finishing school.”

Ms Abela said Turner had been in his current diesel fitter job for eight months and had several glowing character references.

The court heard Turner’s wife was not working due to pregnancy concerns and, with the baby expected in February next year, was dependent on his income.

Brandon James Turner faced Mackay Magistrates Court for an incident where he defended his pregnant wife. Photo: Contributed.

Police prosecutor Leonie Taufa’ao said it was accepted Turner was not an aggressor and was “essentially shepherding (his wife) away” and “trying to deescalate the situation”. His wife was not accused of any wrongdoing.

Magistrate Bronwyn initially considered community service as a punishment but decided against it.

“This is a one-off event (and) it’s not something you normally do,” Ms Hartigan said.

“It’s not in the community’s best interest that you end up on Centrelink.”

Turner, who entered an early guilty plea, was fined $1000 payable to SPER by 4pm on September 8, 2023.

No convictions were recorded.