Slade Dalton William Rasmussen slices man’s face in New Year’s Eve attack at Duporth Tavern

A former security guard has learnt his punishment for a violent outburst at a popular Sunshine Coast pub which left one man off work for two weeks.

A former bouncer has learnt his fate after fronting court over a violent outburst at a popular Sunshine Coast pub which left a 21-year-old man off work for two weeks.

Slade Dalton William Rasmussen was sitting in a booth in the Duporth Tavern function area when he punched a 21-year-old man in the face twice at 10pm on New Year’s Eve.

On Monday Maroochydore District Court heard the victim retaliated by grabbing Rasmussen by the collar.

The pair wrestled to the ground before being removed by security.

Legal officer for prosecutions Sanaz Masoumi told the court the man suffered a 5cm cut above his left eyebrow that needed stitches as well as bruising and swelling.

The victim was forced to take two weeks off work for doctor’s appointments and suffered psychologically.

In an interview with police on January 21 Rasmussen, an ex-security guard, said he couldn’t remember why he attacked the man.

Ms Masoumi said Rasmussen told police he could have handled it better.

Rasmussen pleaded guilty in Maroochydore District Court on Monday to assault occasioning bodily harm in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

Ms Masoumi suggested a 12-month prison sentence for the assault.

“It involves deliberate and irrational infliction of bodily harm so that’s why I asking for a period of imprisonment,” she said.

Solicitor Ben Rynderman asked Judge Michael Byrne to instead increase the number of compulsory community service hours attached to the charge from 40 to 80 or 90 hours to punish Rasmussen.

Mr Rynderman said Rasmussen had been very cooperative with police and suggested a suspended sentence if Mr Byrne didn’t agree with his initial proposal.

He said the now 30-year-old had no criminal history and was described as being a “generous, thoughtful man”.

Mr Rynderman said Rasmussen, who was battling ongoing mental health issues, was not a risk to the community and was unlikely to reoffend.

Mr Byrne questioned how Rasmussen would juggle community service while working 50 to 60 hours in a cafe and takeaway business.

Mr Rynderman said the father of two wanted to take responsibility for his actions and would “make it work” with his busy schedule.

Rasmussen was sentenced to complete 100 hours of community service.

“This might just be five stitches to some people, but the experience is that this sort of stuff with some unfortunate regularity ends up as a manslaughter charge and somebody dies,” Mr Byrne said.

He said it was worrying that there was no observable reason for the “completely stupid” attack.

No conviction was recorded.