Trent Michael Kirkpatrick pleads guilty to Airlie Beach public nuisance, obstruct police

A tradesman who bashed someone in a taxi queue has been scorned by a Whitsunday magistrate who told him: ‘The courts are getting sick of people like you throwing your fists around over something so minor and stupid’

A 25-year-old refrigeration mechanic must complete community service after assaulting a man who jumped a taxi queue in a Whitsunday party precinct.

Trent Michael Kirkpatrick “violently and brutally” punched a man in the face at a taxi rank near Airlie Beach nightclub Magnums about 2am on July 24, resulting in charges of public nuisance and obstruct police.

Proserpine Magistrates Court heard Kirkpatrick fled from police on patrol in the area and had to be “tackled” to be brought under control.

Trent Michael Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty to committing public nuisance near a licensed premises and obstructing police at a licensed premises in a public place while adversely affected. Picture: Facebook

Solicitor Peta Vernon said Kirkpatrick “doesn’t make any excuse” for his behaviour but went on to explain he was in “quite a lengthy queue” for a taxi when “somebody pushed in line”.

Ms Vernon said alcohol was a significant factor in the offending, and Kirkpatrick confirmed he had been drinking beer and vodka that night.

Magistrate James Morton said Kirkpatrick, as a “fair lump of a lad”, could have seriously injured or even killed the victim, had his punch caused him to fall and hit his head.

He questioned why Kirkpatrick would take such a risk over a taxi but acknowledged there was a problem in Airlie Beach with “so many people there, so few taxis”.

The sentence was 40 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months, plus a $600 fine, and a warning any more “using your fists in public” could result in a jail sentence.

“The courts are getting sick of people like you throwing your fists around over something so minor and stupid.

“Make sure you don’t find yourself doing that again.”

No convictions were recorded.