Joseph Daniel Taylor in Maroochydore court for assault at 250 Grammi, Noosa

A father has landed in court for slapping a Noosa restaurant waiter on the head in an “unprovoked” attack after he was asked to pay the lunch bill. Read what happened.

A father slapped a Noosa restaurant waiter across the head after they brought the bill over to him at the table, a court has heard.

Joseph Daniel Taylor, 42, was given a $750 fine in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 14, 2022.

Taylor and his young child were eating lunch at 250 Grammi Food and Wine Bar in Noosaville on January 29, 2022, when the incident occured.

Police prosecutor Phillip Stephens said Taylor walked over to the cashier station that was being operated by a male staff member.

“The defendant accused the complainant of being rude because he had brought the bill to the table while he was seated,” Sergeant Stephens said.

“Whilst abusing the complainant, the defendant has pointed his finger at his face before slapping him across the head with an open right hand.”

Joseph Daniel Taylor.

The victim was in shock, but still processed the bill before Taylor walked out of the restaurant with the child.

Sergeant Stephens said CCTV footage clearly showed the “unprovoked attack” by Taylor who pleaded guilty to one count of common assault.

“It was because (Taylor) didn’t like the service he was getting,” he said.

“The complainant was in his workplace, people who are in their workplace should not be subjected to these types of outbursts and physical assaults.”

Defence solicitor Craig Pratt said his client slapped the waiter because he swore in front of his young child.

Mr Pratt said Taylor had written a “genuine” letter of apology to the victim for his “overreaction” to the comment made.

“Clearly it was a matter of embarrassment to be in that situation in the workplace,” Mr Pratt told the court.

“The nature of the act itself should be towards the lower end of assault.”

Mr Pratt said his client was seeing a psychologist to deal with life pressures.

Magistrate Barry Barrett said Taylor had expressed remorse and could have dealt with the situation in a more appropriate manner.

Mr Barrett ordered he pay $500 compensation to the victim.

No conviction was recorded.