Terence Rodgers, 39, pleads guilty to violent assault of Meatstock partygoer in Toowoomba

The meat-filled fun of Toowoomba’s favourite barbecue festival was cut short when one party-goer unleashed on a stranger in a fiery rage.

Banyo man Terence James Rodgers, 39, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm after beating a man at Meatstock in Toowoomba in 2024. Picture: NewsCorp Australia

A man who attacked a stranger at Toowoomba Meatstock after receiving a snide comment has been warned to keep his temper in check.

Brisbane man Terence James Rodgers, 39, pleaded guilty before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm while intoxicated in the night.

The court heard a group of friends were enjoying the live entertainment at Toowoomba’s Meatstock festival in 2024 when Rodgers approached them, showing interest in one of the women in the party.

Standing nearby were a young girl and her father, who were not connected to the group.

Prosecution said Rodgers was heard directing an inappropriate comment towards the child, prompting a man in the group to reply “that’s not cool”.

There were no allegations of any wrongdoing towards the child or her father before the court.

Live music performance in front of a massive crowd at Meatstock 2024 at Toowoomba Showgrounds. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The court was told Rodgers took offence and punched the man twice in the head before a woman pulled the two apart.

While the man was away from the group, his friends claim Rodgers threatened him, stating, “I’m going to get him, he doesn’t know who I am”.

Later in the night, Rodgers and the man crossed paths, a short verbal argument ensued which turned physical when Rodgers again punched the man.

The man was knocked to the ground while Rodgers stood over him, continuing to beat him.

Police prosecutor Stephanie Thompson said the man was left “a bloody victim, unconscious on the ground”.

“(Rodgers) punched him twice, the man then left the crowd, there has been a second offence … it is not in the heat of the moment anymore, it is also looking at the injuries of the victim, excessive,” she said.

The man suffered cuts to his lip and face, two breaks to his nose and a severely swollen black eye.

When questioned by police, Rodgers denied the second fight despite being covered in the man’s blood, with no injuries of his own.

He also returned a blood alcohol concentration of 0.168.

Defence solicitor Zachary-Mason Salatnay of Donnelly Law Group said Rodgers’ victim had called Rodgers’ by a derogatory name, leading to the first altercation.

“The complainant in this matter misheard (Rodgers’) statement and came to the incorrect conclusion,” Mr Salatnay said.

“(The man) then made comments that were inappropriate and made statements loud enough for the crowd to hear.”

Mr Salatnay said, proceeding the second incident, the man again directed disparaging comments towards Rodgers and told the court his injuries appeared worse than they were.

“(In photographs) he has blood on his hands, chest and face however there being no injuries to his chest or hands it appears that all of the blood stems from the cuts and bleeding nose,” he said.

Mr Salatnay advised the court Rodgers’ had completed anger management courses following his attack, stating he was remorseful and willing to pay compensation.

Magistrate Michelle Dooley discouraged Rodgers from dealing with his anger in such a violent manner.

“You have to stop and think, irrespective of what someone says to you,” she warned Rodgers.

“We all need to keep our tempers in check and behave appropriately.”

Rodgers was sentenced to 40 hours of community service alongside 12 months imprisonment and granted immediate parole.

He was further ordered to pay $2000 to his victim within two months.

Originally published as Terence Rodgers, 39, pleads guilty to violent assault of Meatstock partygoer in Toowoomba