Callum Lee Mearns and Lauren Ashleigh McCart sentenced over Reef Gateway fight
Some comments in the smokers’ area ended in security stepping in to stop an attack on three women.
Police & Courts
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A magistrate told a young Airlie Beach couple they were lucky to avoid more serious charges after a violent attack on three women in the smoking area of a local pub.
Callum Lee Mearns and Lauren Ashleigh McCart faced court last week following a fight at Cannonvale’s Reef Gateway Hotel on Friday April 21 that only ended when security stepped in to break it up and called police.
Proserpine Magistrates Court heard security guards asked Mearns and McCart to leave the hotel about 7.30pm because they were causing a disturbance, including swearing loudly in the presence of children and being abusive towards bar staff.
They complied with the request to leave, but then at 9pm, returned to the hotel and entered an outdoor smoking area.
McCart approached three women who were seated in the area, and initiated a fight with them, throwing punches and throwing a chair in the course of the altercation.
Observing what was happening, Mearns decided to join in, punching one of the women to the left side of face, causing swelling and bruising around her left eye socket.
Mearns refused a police interview but McCart admitted she initiated the fight.
She explained it was because she felt aggrieved at comments the women made when she asked them for a cigarette.
The couple were both charged with committing public nuisance and entering a licensed premises after being refused entry.
Magistrate Ron Muirhead told Mearns he was lucky he was not facing more serious charges.
“Your behaviour was completely out of order; brought about by consuming too much alcohol, obviously,” Mr Muirhead said.
McCart told the court her behaviour on that night was “very out of character”.
“I do apologise for the whole encounter,” she said.
Taking into account their lack of criminal history, Mr Muirhead sentenced Mearns and McCart to pay $1200 fines each.
Convictions were not recorded.
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