Jack Ronald Murray pleads guilty to grievous bodily harm at Rolling Rock nightclub

A man has risked spending time behind bars after fracturing his victim’s jaw over an unnecessary argument in a Noosa nightclub.

Jack Ronald Murray faced Maroochydore District Court on Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Tewantin man has admitted to breaking another punter’s jaw and knocking out his tooth at a Noosa venue.

Jack Ronald Murray, 20, delivered the devastating blow to his victim inside the former Rolling Rock nightclub after a heated exchange in the early hours of July 9 in 2023.

Maroochydore District Court was told on Monday how the Tewantin man, who was 18 at the time, entered the venue and bumped into one of the victim's friends on the dancefloor about 1.30am.

Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks said this led to an argument between the victim, one of his mates and Murray.

The court heard the victim tried to calm the situation. He was warned by his friend not to throw the first punch, while the now 20-year-old told him “I’ll f--k you up”.

Murray leaving the Maroochydore watch-house. Picture: Sam Turner

The dialogue went for two minutes before Murray pushed the victim and his mate backward.

He then out of the blue punched the victim’s face with his right fist.

Ms Marks said witnesses heard a “cracking noise” when Murray’s fist connected with the victim’s face.

The Tewantin man continued to hold onto the victim by his shirt as he fell towards the floor, despite Murray’s mates trying to move him away.

The victim threw two punches back at Murray, however Ms Marks said it was unclear if they connected.

Murray then pushed the victim away and continued to punch his face until the 20-year-old was restrained by those on the dancefloor.

The court heard the victim struggled to open his jaw and was bleeding from his mouth. He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery.

The former Rolling Rock nightclub in Hastings street, Noosa, which has since changed hands and its name. Picture: John McCutcheon

Two metal plates were inserted in his jaw due to the fracture. He also received orthodontic treatment due to severe injuries to his teeth including the loss of a front tooth.

Ms Marks said the family were out of pocket about $19,500 from the treatment, with their health fund paying for a further $6000. She asked Judge Terry Gardiner to order Murray serve actual time.

Murray was charged with grievous bodily harm, which he pleaded guilty to in court on Monday.

In victim impact statements read out to the court, the victim said he suffered from pain and depression due to his injuries.

He said he felt a loss of self confidence, which his parents also spoke about in their own victim impact statement.

He pleaded guilty. Picture: Sam Turner

They said it was devastating to see him with his injuries in hospital, and how they were heartbroken to see their son not as carefree as he once was.

Defence barrister Mark Dixon pushed for Murray not to be sent to prison, and said the Tewantin man was remorseful and apologetic. Mr Dixon said the 20-year-old could offer compensation and wrote an apology letter.

The barrister said references before the court spoke of the attack being out of character for a man with no criminal history, who completed anger management courses and stopped drinking.

Judge Gardiner took Murray into custody for several hours after he adjourned the sentence to late Monday afternoon. He was then brought back before the court.

The district court judge opted to grant immediate parole to the Tewantin man on a two-year jail sentence, to allow for Murray to pay some compensation to the victim.

He was then released from the watch-house later that afternoon.