Nightclubber’s odd boast about QLD premier at Townsville precinct

Showing a photo of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, a tanked wedding guest tried to convince police he shouldn’t be booted from a party precinct.

Ryan Henry O’Brien faced Yeppoon Magistrates Court on October 26.

A drunk wedding guest in trouble with the law made an odd “boast” about Queensland’s premier as he argued with police, a court has heard.

Ryan Henry O’Brien, 50, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court to contravening a police banning order.

The court heard that about 1.02am on September 24, police at the night precinct on Townsville’s Flinders Street issued O’Brien with a banning notice.

He was then directed to leave the precinct, but instead, he remained seated in the back of a police vehicle and argued with officers.

The prosecution said O’Brien “quoted Annastacia Palaszczuk”, showed police a photo and said: “That’s my aunty.” (This publication can confirm Mr O’Brien is not the nephew of the Premier who has nieces only).

O’Brien was subsequently arrested and taken to a watch-house.

The court heard O’Brien had no criminal history.

Ryan Henry O’Brien.

Solicitor Cam Schroder said prior to this incident, O’Brien, who was employed, had lost a family member in tragic circumstances and it “affected him quite badly.”

“On this particular night, his wife and he were attending a wedding in Townsville,” Mr Schroder said.

Mr Schroder said O’Brien normally only drank beer but on this night he consumed wine and champagne.

“He thought it was a good distraction but it did ignite miserable thoughts with him.

“He had an argument with his wife and then he attended a nightclub.

“They asked him to pay a $35 entry fee which he paid, and then was instantly refused to be served an alcoholic drink.”

Mr Schroder said O’Brien was “very remorseful” for his actions on the night.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert fined O’Brien $600 and no conviction was recorded.