Toowoomba business man embarrassed after Christmas party turned violent

What started as a scuffle at the Cube ended with a night in the lockup after man abused police while drunk.

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A Toowoomba businessman learned the hard way that it is never a good idea to abuse police while drunk.

On Thursday, the Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard Rod Michael Cannon, 35, had been celebrating at a Christmas party with employees of his family business on December 9, 2020, when he got into a fight near The Cube Hotel.

Prosecutor Chris Willson said Cannon threw his hat at the police officers called to the fight, while swearing.

The court heard the officers moved to arrest Cannon, but he resisted.

He was subdued and taken to the watch house where he recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.166 per cent.

Defence solicitor Amber Acreman said Cannon’s actions were out of character and he was ashamed of them.

Cannon pleaded guilty to committing public nuisance and obstructing police in a licensed premises while adversely affected by alcohol.

Magistrate Kay Ryan ordered Cannon complete 80 hours of community service, noting the mandatory sentence for the latter offence.

Originally published as Toowoomba business man embarrassed after Christmas party turned violent