Brett Stafford sentenced after punching woman at The Strand Hotel

A Central Queensland man has learned his fate after he punched a woman in the mouth at a pub, causing her to fall and hit her head on the concrete.

Brett Anthony Stafford faced Yeppoon Magistrates Court after punching a woman at The Strand Hotel.

A man who punched a woman at a Central Queensland hotel has been told he’s “very fortunate” she didn’t suffer more serious injuries when her head hit the concrete.

Brett Anthony Stafford, 36, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court to public nuisance in the vicinity of a licensed premises.

Police prosecutor Corey O’Connor said about 11pm on August 16, Stafford was at The Strand Hotel when he was involved in a verbal argument with a woman known to him.

Mr O’Connor said Stafford punched the woman in the mouth which caused her to fall backwards, and the back of her head hit the concrete.

The prosecutor said the woman was temporarily unconscious and she was taken to hospital with head injuries.

Brett Anthony Stafford.

“She later stated she did not recall any of the incident,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Due to a lack of complaint from the (woman), (Stafford) was charged with public nuisance.”

Mr O’Connor said Stafford’s criminal history was “quite brief”.

The prosecution sought a 12-month banning order for Stafford at The Strand Hotel.

Solicitor Oscar Millroy said Stafford “normally wouldn’t act in this way even when intoxicated”.

“And he certainly regrets his behaviour on this night,” Mr Millroy said.

Prior to imposing penalty, Magistrate Cameron Press told Stafford: “It’s not acceptable to be punching women in the face, out in public.

“It’s unacceptable at any time... you’re very fortunate that the victim hasn’t made a complaint because you might have been facing something more serious than probation today.

“Imagine how your life would have changed if this victim had of suffered impairment as a result, or even died as a result of hitting the ground.”

Mr Press placed Stafford on 12 months’ probation and no conviction was recorded.

Stafford was also banned from The Strand Hotel for 12 months.