Fury Charters owner Robert Marie Kissajukian pleads guilty to assaulting blind worker

A charter boat company owner saw red when he went to collect two parts, only to be told the price had doubled. What he did next to a legally blind store worker earned him a stern rebuke.

A charter boat’s business name was “appropriate” after the owner’s angry outburst at a legally blind store clerk on being quoted a higher price for a gearbox.

Robert Marie Kissajukian had been quoted $7000 for a gearbox and had gone to Whitsunday Powersports and Marine about 9.30am on October 30, 2021, to buy two.

But once in store, Kissajukian was told each gearbox would cost about $14,000 to $15,000. Proserpine Magistrates Court heard the 68 year old then grabbed the 33-year-old store clerk who was legally blind and had a tattoo saying as much on his left arm.

Sergeant Emma Myors told the court Kissajukian yelled obscenities, calling the man a “f — ing c – t” and they were “all the f — ing same”.

Sergeant Myors said when the younger man told Kissajukian to leave the store, the older man replied, “I won’t forget your face, motherf — er.”

Kissajukian pleaded guilty to common assault.

Solicitor Elizabeth Smith, acting for Kissajukian, said her client had owned his business, Fury Charters, for 25 years and had experienced an 80 per cent drop in trade because of Covid-19.

She said Kissajukian had been quoted $7000 for the part earlier that week and had intended to buy two but when he went in store, was told it would cost double that.

“He accepts he behaved abhorrently,” Ms Smith said, adding the incident lasted 45 seconds to a minute.

She said Kissajukian’s partner, who was in court supporting him as he pleaded to the single charge, had phoned the store and apologised the afternoon it happened.

Magistrate James Morton said Kissajukian’s business name – Fury Charters – was “appropriate” and described the man’s behaviour as “very odd”.

Mr Morton said it was unfair for Kissajukian to take his “fury out on” the store clerk who was just “working for the man”.

“You’re 68 years of age, you’ve got to control your actions,” Mr Morton said.

Kissajukian had since sourced the gearbox parts from another supplier in Bowen which, while cheaper than the initial quote, took longer to receive.

Mr Morton said all businesses had suffered financially because of Covid, telling Kissajukian he was not the only one.

Mr Morton fined Kissajukian $600 and did not record a conviction.

“Next time you’re unhappy with a price, grit your teeth and shop around,” he said.