Justice close for Nathan Grindlay

A BRUTAL bashing almost three years ago changed Nathan Grindlay's life forever.

A BRUTAL bashing almost three years ago changed Nathan Grindlay's life forever.

Yesterday he walked from the Rockhampton Courthouse knowing justice would soon be served.

With his mother Di, father Chris and sister Tammy by his side, he was content with what had taken place just moments earlier.

All six men who left him fighting for his life on March 7, 2004, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm in Rockhampton District Court.

Lee William Oram, Clinton Wade Taylor and Richard Steven Saunders were 22, 17 and 17 respectively at the time of the attack.

They were originally charged with the attempted murder of Mr Grindlay along with three juveniles aged 15, 16 and 16 at the time.

Yesterday Oram, Taylor and the 15-year-old, who had pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Grindlay and assault occasioning bodily harm to another man.

One of the 16-year-olds, who was also in court yesterday, had already pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm on Mr Grindlay in August 2005.

The other 16-year-old yesterday pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm on another man.

Saunders, who was not present in court, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm on Mr Grindlay in July 2006 and remains in custody.

All charges against another co-accused, Jason Scott Tilberoo, were struck out yesterday.

He remains in custody for other offences.

After yesterday's court proceedings the Grindlay family said they were pleased with the result.

They were reluctant to comment further until sentencing on March 5.

Mr Grindlay is now 21.

He was not expected to live after he had suffered a fractured skull, fractured eye socket, top and bottom jaw, incurred internal bleeding and a stroke following the attack.

He is now back at work at Rockhampton's Hastings Deering. However, Mr Grindlay will never be able to drive or play contact sport again.

Mr Grindlay was bashed at an 18th birthday party at the Pipe Band Hall on Gladstone Road.

Defence barrister John McInnes said the attack occurred after someone was asked to leave.

"It was a matter of pride," he said.

Originally published as Justice close for Nathan Grindlay