Jason Raymond Maxwell Watson sentenced in court for common assault

A shirtless and highly intoxicated man punched and tackled a ‘mate’ in Rockhampton after an 18th birthday party where he drank about $250 worth of spirits. Here’s what happened to him in court.

A shirtless and highly intoxicated young man punched and tackled a ‘mate’ in Rockhampton after an 18th birthday party where he drank about $250 worth of spirits.

Jason Raymond Maxwell Watson, 18, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on June 13 to one count each of commit public nuisance within licensed premises and common assault in public place while adversely affected by intoxicating substance.

Police prosecutor Stacey Bain said Watson, shirtless, approached a man at the corner of East and William streets, Rockhampton, on May 28 at 3.20am and said, “Stop staring at me or I will knock your lights out”.

Ms Bain said the man told Watson he was waiting for an Uber home and that Watson continued to threaten him.

Jason Raymond Maxwell Watson, 18, appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on June 13, 2022.

She said Watson suddenly punched the man to the left side of his face, causing him to stumble and feel as if he was going to black out.

The man then attempted to tackle Watson and the pair became involved in a struggle before police became involved and arrested Watson.

Ms Bain said earlier that night at 3am a large disturbance broke out involving separate parties near the Giddy Goat and that Watson interjected himself and approached police with a closed fist in a threatening manner stating, “F--- you, yeah what’s going on now”.

She said Watson, who was observed to be highly intoxicated, was told by police to go home before being pulled away by members of the public.

She said Watson then took of his shirt and marched towards police with closed fists, asking, “Are you going to pull tasers out?”.

She said Watson was moved away from police, whose attention was drawn to a second disturbance that had broken out.

Defence lawyer Rebecca Winning said her client, who was a cabinet maker, was highly intoxicated on the night of the offending.

Ms Winning said the male victim was known to her client and that they had been “mates” from Longreach.

“He had been at an 18th birthday party and had consumed about $250 worth of spirits and says he was an absolute mess,” she said.

“He did not remember why the incident happened.

“He just told me he was ashamed and embarrassed.

“Thankfully there were no injuries.”

Magistrate Cameron Press described Watson’s behaviour as “unacceptable”.

“You have punched and tackled a person,” Mr Press said.

“You are lucky that person didn’t become unconscious or suffer anymore serious injury or death because this is what can happen.”

Watson was ordered to 12 months’ probation and to perform 80 hours of community service with no criminal convictions recorded.