Michael John Love assaults ex-wife’s bestie at Grand Hotel Mount Morgan

A Central Queensland fitter and turner has faced court after an ugly confrontation with his ex-wife’s best friend at a pub. Here’s what happened.

A Central Queensland man has faced court after an ugly confrontation with his ex-wife’s best friend at a hotel.

Michael John Love, 52, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on September 7 to unlawful assault in a public place.

The court heard the victim in this matter was Love’s ex-wife’s best friend.

It was told that on April 30 at 12.45am, the victim was at the Grand Hotel Mount Morgan with a group of friends.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Rowe said about 1am, the victim became aware of a heated conversation occurring between one of her friends and Love.

Snr Const Rowe said the victim became “defensive” for her friend and interjected, telling Love to “go away” and “leave her alone”.

The prosecutor said Love then screamed at the victim: “shut your f---ing mouth”.

“The victim again attempted to de-escalate the situation and the victim again said to (Love): ‘this is not the time or the place, go away’.”

Snr Const Rowe said Love proceeded to “rant and rave” at the victim and “stepped towards her whilst yelling at her”.

“The victim stated to police that (Love’s) demeanour was threatening and his body language was aggressive while yelling at her,” Snr Const Rowe said.

The prosecutor said Love then said to the victim: “Shut up or I’ll punch you in the face.”

“The victim stated to police that this made her fearful for her safety.”

Snr Const Rowe said the victim then shouted at Love: “You need to go away and leave us alone.”

“(Love) started to walk away, walking several steps before turning back towards the victim.”

Snr Const Rowe said Love then stepped towards the victim and with his left closed fist “angled” up “as though he was preparing to take a swing”.

The prosecutor said Love said to the victim: “I should punch you in the f---ing mouth.”

Snr Const Rowe said the victim then felt threatened, feared for her safety, and “genuinely thought” Love was going to hit her.

“The victim yelled ‘go away, leave us alone’.”

The court heard that a person from a nearby table interjected and yelled at Love: “You get away from those girls - leave those girls alone.”

Love then left the venue, the court heard.

He was subsequently charged.

The court heard Love had no criminal history.

Solicitor Samantha Legrady said Love was a fitter and turner and she confirmed the victim was Love’s ex-wife’s best friend.

“On that particular day, the property settlement after their 12-year marriage had been finalised,” Ms Legrady said.

“He (Love) instructs he pretty much walked away with the clothes that he was wearing.

“He instructs that at that time, the ex-wife’s best friend made some comments and that’s why he had said to keep your nose out of it.”

Ms Legrady said Love had not been drinking and he had gone to the pub to collect his new partner who worked there.

“He is sorry for his actions and understands that what he said has caused him to be here today.”

Before handing down penalty, Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead said Love’s behaviour on the night was “out of order”.

Mr Muirhead ordered Love perform 40 hours of unpaid community service in the next 12 months.

No conviction was recorded.