Jordan Dean Gallagher fined for headlocking bouncer at Ocean St club

A Sunshine Coast man has faced court for headlocking a bouncer outside a popular Ocean St nightclub after being kicked out and denied re-entry for being too drunk.

A Sunshine Coast man has been sentenced for putting a bouncer in a headlock after being kicked out of a popular Ocean St nightclub and refused re-entry while drunk.

Jordan Dean Gallagher, 27, pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday, May 6, 2022, to one charge of committing public nuisance outside a licensed premises.

The court heard Gallagher was asked to leave Zyped bar and nightclub by security guards about 10pm on April 7 for being too drunk.

The 27-year-old initially left the venue without incident and proceeded to walk along Ocean St and later attempted to get back inside by lining up at the entrance.

Gallagher was told by the club’s bouncer he was not allowed back in due to being heavily intoxicated when the 27-year-old began arguing to be let inside.

The security guard attempted to move Gallagher out of the queue before the 27-year-old got the guard in a headlock.

Jordan Dean Gallagher at Maroochydore Magistrates Court

The bouncer broke Gallagher’s hold and restrained him on the ground until police came by a short time later and arrested the 27-year-old.

Prosecutor James Allen told the court officers tried to get Gallagher’s version of events and said he was too drunk and emotional to co-operate and was taken to the Maroochydore watch house.

Gallagher told police he had lost his phone that night and was trying to find a way to get back home.

Mr Allen said Gallagher’s identity was confirmed by a photograph and surveillance footage.

He mentioned Gallagher had a history of violent offences including a charge for grievous bodily harm in 2019.

Mr Allen said Gallagher had served six months in jail for that offence and had also been subject to an 18-month suspended sentence which was active for two years.

Defence lawyer Chris Lumme said the 27-year-old had bipolar disorder and did not usually drink.

Mr Lumme mentioned Gallagher lost his job the day before the incident due to having a “manic episode” which caused him a lot of stress and decided to drink that evening.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said he believed Gallagher was remorseful for assaulting the bouncer but was clearly under the influence of alcohol when the altercation took place.

Gallagher was fined $827 for his offence. Convictions were recorded.