Joshua Michael Barnes in court for assault at Giddy Goat nightclub
A man already subject to court orders for three assault type offences went on to assault another man at a nightclub. Read what sparked the assault here.
Rockhampton
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A man already subject to court orders for three assault type offences headbutted and repeatedly punched a man at a nightclub after they bumped into each other.
The victim had apologised to the offender, Joshua Michael Barnes, before he headbutted him, police prosecutor Claudia Neill-Ballantine told Rockhampton Magistrates Court on November 13.
Barnes, and his victim, were socialising separately at Giddy Goat nightclub in Rockhampton’s Safe Night Precinct on July 14 when the assault took place.
Ms Neill-Ballantine said after the headbutt, people held the victim while Barnes punched him 10 times in the face in 17 seconds.
She said as this took place, a fight between two females broke out next to them.
“Security intervened while the defendant continued to throw punches at the victim,” Ms Neill-Ballantine said.
She said the victim had swelling and bruising on his face afterwards.
Ms Neill-Ballantine said Barnes was subject to a two-year probation order at the time, handed down in September 2023, for two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one of common assault.
Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said Barnes, 22, worked full-time for CQ Crane Hire.
She said Barnes was intoxicated at the time of the assault and is aware “needs to do something about that”.
Barnes provided three character references to the court including one from his employer and offered to pay $500 compensation to the victim.
The court heard Barnes paid $600 compensation in 2023.
Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said the references were “glowing” and talking of a completely different person to the one in court.
“When looking at your criminal history, it’s pretty apparent what you should be doing and that is not having a drink (of alcohol)... possibly not have a drink at all,” she said.
Barnes pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm for the Giddy Goat offence.
Ms Beckinsale placed him on another two-year probation term and ordered he pay $500 compensation.
A conviction was not recorded.
Ms Beckinsale said that was due to his age, his offer to pay compensation and his show of remorse.
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