Adam Luke Dow fined for obstructing police, public nuisance

A drunken avocado farm worker ended up in several fights and then handcuffs after he took on the manager at his local pub, resisted arrest, shoulder barged the pub door and tried to grab cars as they drove past.

A drunken avocado farmer’s night out ended in handcuffs after initiating a physical altercation with the manager of a Nanango pub, obstructing an officer and grabbing onto cars driving past.

A drunken avocado farm worker ended up in several fights and then handcuffs after he took on the manager at his local pub, resisted arrest, shoulder barged the front door and tried to grab cars as they drove past.

Blackbutt avocado farm worker Adam Luke Dow, 39, was enjoying a few drinks with friends at the Commercial Hotel in Nanango, in the South Burnett, earlier this year when he had one too many.

Dow pleaded guilty to wilful damage, being a public nuisance at a licensed premises and obstructing a police officer when he fronted the Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 13.

Police prosecutor Lisa Manns said Dow had been drinking at the Commercial Hotel in Nanango on the evening of June 24, 2023.

“He was asked to leave due to his intoxication level and became verbally abusive,” Sergeant Manns said.

“He attempted to barge past the manager which resulted in a physical altercation where he ripped the manager’s shirt and they ended up in the gardens.

“He attempted to re enter the premises multiple times, as well as fighting with multiple patrons,” she said.

The court heard Dow continued to loiter around the hotel before walking into the path of passing cars and grabbing the side of a driver’s door.

“He shoulder barged a hotel door several times, which broke the glass,” Sgt Manns said.

Dow was asked to leave the Commercial Hotel in Nanango due to his intoxication level.

The police went to the pub at 12.20am and found Dow slurring his words and smelling strongly of alcohol, the court was told.

Dow refused arrest, which resulted in police using force to restrain him.

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“He obstructed the police officer trying to arrest him,” Sergeant Manns said.

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“He was unable to be interviewed and was taken to the Nanango watch house where he sobered up,” she said.

Defence lawyer Mark Werner said Dow had had a difficult year and regretted his actions.

“The night started off with mates, he kept going and he does have a previous for public nuisance,” Mr Werner said.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair took Dow’s early plea into consideration.

“You’ve been out of trouble for a little while until you’ve drank way too much,” Mr Sinclair said.

Dow was sentenced to 40 hours community service, to be completed within 12 months.

Convictions were recorded.