Skydiver Jason Mitchell Colless pleads guilty to assault in Mooloolaba

A Sunshine Coast extreme athlete who has competed overseas in skydiving has been jailed for his ‘serious act of violence’ over a suspected argument about a cigarette.

A Little Mountain extreme athlete who has competed internationally in skydiving has been jailed for attacking a man he didn’t know over a “dropped cigarette”.

Jason Mitchell Colless had been at a work Christmas party on the evening of December 12, 2021 in Mooloolaba when he attacked a man after he had been drinking.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard the serious act of violence was “unprovoked” and may have been sparked by a conflict over a “dropped cigarette” outside a licensed premises.

Police prosecutor Stu Lydford said Colless had struck the unknown man from behind before he attacked him on the ground.

Barrister Sarah Cartledge said the 49-year-old Little Mountain man had a “tumultuous” upbringing but had excelled in his later years, representing Australia overseas in skydiving.

Ms Cartledge said the father was also a tradie and had turned a corner after he entered his 30s, where he “essentially grew up”.

The court heard the victim only suffered minor injuries, with Colless writing an apology to him for his actions.

Jason Mitchell Colless.

Magistrate Catherine Benson labelled the assault as “gratuitous violence”.

“This person didn’t know you … he’s had ongoing issues as a result, his life has been affected in a number of ways,” Ms Benson.

“Violence by men under the influence of alcohol in public places is just far too common and the injuries and results that occur from that are devastating.”

Colless pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced to 12 months’ jail but was given immediate parole.

He was then ordered to pay $2000 in compensation to the victim.

The Little Mountain athlete donned a hoodie, mask, cap and sunglasses to hide his identity as he left the courthouse.

A conviction was recorded.