Jonathan Alaimoana, 23, of Marsden sentenced for assault on stepfather

Shopping centre security guards failed to deter the wrath of a church-going barber during a fit of violence, a court has heard.

A Christian barber let his fist talk when a ‘war of words’ with his stepfather got the better of him, a court has heard.

Jonathan Alaimoana, 23, of Marsden avoided a criminal conviction at his Beenleigh Magistrates Court appearance on Wednesday.

The barber and avid churchgoer was supported by multiple family members when he pleaded guilty to a string of charges.

They included common assault, wilful damage, committing a public nuisance and stealing.

The court heard Alaimoana was in a heated exchange with his stepfather on December 14 at Grand Plaza in Browns Plains when he let loose.

Alaimoana punched his victim to the jaw, despite the presence of a security officer, according to police prosecutor Sergeant Stephen Cochrane.

Marsden man Jonathan Alaimoana, 23, leaves Beenleigh Magistrates Court. Picture: Marcel Baum.

It followed an incident on June 17 involving family when the defendant “certainly went off” and committed an act of wilful damage, public nuisance and stole fuel from a service station, the court heard.

He also copped to stealing fuel from service stations on July 29 and September 1.

The offending came on the back of a modest criminal history that included an offence sentenced for in 2020, the court was told.

Defence solicitor Samit Seth said his client had no previous history of violence and had become “volatile” during a “war of words” when his stepfather allegedly tried to prevent him from seeing his siblings.

Mr Seth said Alaimoana regularly attended church, had invested in counselling and worked full time as a barber.

A character reference from the defendant’s pastor was tendered to the court.

Magistrate Mark Howden took into account the man’s lack of previous violent offending when he sentenced him to 10 months’ probation.

Alaimoana was further fined $350 and ordered to pay restitution for the stolen fuel.

No conviction was recorded.