Travis Leslie Garland learns fate after twice punching a Souths Leagues Club duty manager in the face

The man pleaded guilty to punching a Mackay club duty manager twice in the face and then drink-driving on a nearby sporting field

A man who punched a duty manager at a popular Mackay footy club before drink-driving at a nearby country club has been sentenced for his crimes. ​

A man who punched a duty manager at a popular Mackay footy club before drink-driving on a sporting field has been sentenced for his crimes.

Travis Leslie Garland twice punched Luke Turner in the face after he was asked to leave Souths Leagues Club because he had been pestering a female customer on April 27, 2021.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard he repeatedly called Mr Turner a “f***ing gay c***” and punched him twice in the face.

Garland also damaged a sign. About six hours later, he bogged his car allegedly drink-driving on a field at Harrup Park Country Club about 11.20pm and refused to partake in a breath test.

The 46 year old pleaded guilty to common assault and failing to provide a specimen of breath.

Acting Magistrate Athol Kennedy adjourned the case for one week to find out more information in relation to the victim impact statement, which claimed Mr Turner had since quit his job following the assault.

The court heard Garland had no real criminal or traffic history, suffered from mental health issues and also self-medicated with alcohol.

Garland gave a letter of apology to Mr Turner.

“Mr Turner’s (victim impact) statement is very, very fair to you, it could have been much, much worse,” Mr Kennedy said.

“You do not have much of a (criminal) history, but regrettably you will today.”

Garland was sentenced to 12 months probation for the common assault charge and disqualified from driving for six months for failing to provide a specimen of breath.

No conviction was recorded.