Craig Peter Cook: Stanthorpe teacher punches man’s face at Central Hotel

The educator’s apparent ‘brain snap’ led him to throw a number of punches at his victim and striking his face, before bystanders and security had to forcibly restrain him.

A Stanthorpe teacher who punched another man in the face at the Central Hotel was so aggravated security and bystanders had to physically restrain him before police arrived. Photo: Stanthorpe Border Post Archives

A Stanthorpe teacher who punched another man in the face at a pub was so aggravated security and bystanders had to physically restrain him before police arrived.

Police prosecutor Ken Wiggan said Craig Peter Cook was at the Central Hotel at 1am on July 25 when he left the dancefloor and noticed a man he had past difficulties with at the bar.

Sergeant Wiggan told the Stanthorpe Magistrates Court that the 42-year-old had a “brain snap” and punched the man in the face before throwing another punch that missed.

“A scuffle broke out between the two of them, bystanders and security officers ... had to result to physical restraint,” he said.

The self-represented Cook said he was embarrassed and remorseful of his behaviour that night.

“On the night, Your Honour, I did the offence, I have since made amends to the other party by personal apology and we are moving forward,” he said.

Due to his role as a teacher in the community, the Stanthorpe man asked the magistrate not to record a conviction.

Magistrate Julian Noud said the 42-year-old was fortunate that he wasn’t facing more serious charges as no formal complaint was made for assault.

Cook pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance.

He was fined $550 and no conviction was recorded.