Jennifer Rose Hughes and Mitchell Bradley Short plead guilty to common assault

Details of why a couple launched an attack on a man shopping for his groceries have been revealed, with a stunned magistrate asking the offenders who died and made them sheriff.

Jennifer Rose Hughes and Mitchell Bradley Short pleaded guilty to common assault over attacking a man at a Coles at Andergrove.

A long term couple has been slammed for their “disgraceful” conduct after attacking a man while he was shopping for groceries at Andergrove.

Jennifer Rose Hughes had been working at Liquorland at Andergrove Village on Oaks St when about February 24, 2024 the victim tried to enter the store about 3.20pm.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Hughes and the man had previous interactions and she claimed he had become volatile and aggressive when ID was sought.

So when she saw this say she “became anxious”, refused him entry and closed the roller door. He left and went to do his grocery shopping.

Hughes later told police she believed he “had it out for her” and alleged he said he was going to sue Liquorland.

As a result she called her partner, Mitchell Bradley Short – for “protection”, who arrived and sought out the victim, finding him in the drinks aisle of the nearby Coles supermarket.

Short shoved the victim and started yelling and throwing punches.

The court heard bystanders were able to separate the two and diffuse the situation, when Hughes walked up to the victim and slapped him across the face.

She was asked to leave the store.

Both pleaded guilty to common assault.

Barron and Allen solicitor Aaron Sellentin, for Short, said his client was an operator out at the mine.

“As well as being sheriff,” Magistrate Damien Dwyer quipped.

The court heard Hughes, who represented herself, no longer worked at Liquorland.

Mr Dwyer said the attack was a “disgraceful thing to do — both of youse”.

“Who died and made you sheriff?” Mr Dwyer asked.
Hughes and Short were fined $900 each and Short was ordered to pay $500 compensation to the victim.

Convictions were not recorded.