Kelvin Shane Whyman in court after challenging Roma pub manager to drunken duel

Misplaced family loyalty, starting fights at the pub, and resisting arrest – tensions ran at an all-time high at a Roma pub after a young man on probation drank too much alcohol and caused a scene.

IN COURT: Kelvin Shane Whyman in Roma court for drunken night at Commonwealth Hotel. Pic: Supplied

Misplaced family loyalty, starting fights at the pub, and resisting arrest – tensions ran at an all-time high at the Roma Commonwealth Hotel after Kelvin Shane Whyman drank too much alcohol and caused a scene.

At the Roma Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 2, Whyman pleaded guilty to committing public nuisance within a licensed venue, obstructing police while adversely affected, and refused entry to licensed premises.

The court heard police were called to a disturbance at the pub at 11pm on Wednesday, April 28.

Upon their arrival the 19-year-old threw his shirt off and yelled at officers, “f—k off you c—ts”.

Police prosecutor Heather Whiting said three family members tried to calm Whyman, but when officers warned the Roma man he faced arrest if he continued, his cousin was quick to his defence.

“She stood between the defendant and the police officer and told him, ‘if he is arrested, she’s going to have to be arrested (too),” Sergeant Whiting said.

A hotel manager told police the drunk Whyman had also kicked off in the pokies room and swore at patrons.

Sergeant Whiting said Whyman had been kicked out over the incident but snuck back in through a side entry and started a fight with the manager when caught.

“After police spoke to the manager, police drove around the corner and saw him walking towards BP and he had still been yelling,” she said.

Police called in backup to deal with the man who was on probation for similar past offences including a serious assault he committed with a blood alcohol reading of 0.308.

Whyman refused arrest and struggled with police before being taken to the Roma watch-house.

The court heard Whyman hadn’t engaged with the parole board while on probation and showed no remorse for his crimes.

Solicitor Laurie Parker told the court the 19-year-old was a man of few words, and on the night in question had been in a ‘bad mood’.

Magistrate Peter Saggers said it was concerning he hadn’t complied with his probation since it started on July 26, 2020.

“If you continue it’s only a short time before you go to jail, but they’re your choices about how you want to behave towards police. All the choices that you make there are consequences,” he said.

Whyman was fined $1000 and ordered to complete 100 hours’ community service.