Scott Terrence Dowd assaults McDonalds security guard
A drunk miner on a Macca’s run after a night out at the pub spat at and punched a security guard after getting frustrated with fault technology at the fast food chain.
Police & Courts
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A drunk miner ruined a night out with his girlfriend when his frustration with a faulty Maccas kiosk escalated to serious assault.
Scott Terrence Dowd swore at the self-serve checkout and confronted a consoling security guard at the Mackay city store on May 11.
The argument continued as the 41 year old’s girlfriend tried to corral him back to their car, but escalated when he spat twice at the guard and punched him.
Dowd pleaded guilty to causing public nuisance and serious assault on a person over 60 years old against the security guard.
Defence solicitor Robert Beamish, of McKay’s Solicitors, said Dowd was genuinely remorseful and had written a letter of apology to the guard and placed $500 for the victim’s lost wages in a trust account.
Mackay Magistrates Court heard Dowd had a lengthy criminal history, but had turned his life around and moved away from drugs.
“In his teenage years and early 20s, he was in and out of prison,” Mr Beamish said.
“He credits him turning his life around to his partner, she is here in support.
“On the night of (the assault) he was drinking, but he hasn’t touched drugs in five years.”
Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said Dowd’s letter of apology did show remorse, but urged him to consider how “things can go horribly wrong when you’re drinking”.
“In the last five years you have really turned your life around,” Ms Hartigan said.
“You are in a very stable relationship with a sensible, intelligent woman who tried to put an end to all this.
“But, unfortunately, you were too intoxicated to heed her warning.”
Dowd was jailed for nine months with immediate parole and convictions were recorded.
Ms Hartigan ordered a total of $560 restitution be paid to the security guard for lost pay and doctors fees.
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