John Politis faces Warwick Magistrates Court following brutal Leslie Park bashing

An argument over money between a Warwick father of 11 and a co-worker ended in a vicious attack in a popular park that was all caught on CCTV. Here’s how it unfolded.

A Warwick father of 11 has faced court following a brutal assault in a popular park which left a man in hospital.

John Politis appeared in Warwick Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm while in company, possessing cannabis and drug utensils.

The 50-year-old and a second person brutally assaulted a co-worker of Politis in Leslie Park on May 22.

The court was told Politis yelled in the face of the man asking the whereabouts of some money, before punching the man in the face.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve de Lissa told the court Politis kicked the man in the head while he was on the ground, which left the man hospitalised with facial and body injuries.

CCTV footage picked up Politis and the other man approaching the victim, restraining him before viciously beating him.

John Politis leaving Warwick Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

In August, a search warrant was executed on Politis’ home, which uncovered that he was in possession of 10.3 grams, two bongs and other smoking paraphernalia.

Politis was on probation at the time for an earlier drug possession offence from August 2021.

Magistrate Virginia Sturgess revealed Politis had a “very poor traffic history” and a lengthy five page criminal history that stretched back 30 years.

“Your actions were more than excessive, they were unjustified,” Ms Sturgess said.

The magistrate told Politis he had “an obvious drug problem” and his actions were “simply unacceptable”.

“Offences of violence are simply unacceptable, there is not an excuse to engage in violence or assault in company,” she said.

Politics was sentenced to a total of 15 months imprisonment, but was immediately released on parole. He was also fined $650 for breaching the earlier probation order relating to the 2021 matter.