NSW turned Beenleigh man Jeff Stokes fights elderly couple over recycled cans

A 61-year-old man was brutally bashed after he was caught by a homeowner rummaging through their recycling bin to collect cans as a way to supplement his pension.

Jeff Stokes outside Beenleigh Magistrates Court

A late night argument over recycled cans turned violent when a Logan welder attacked a 61-year-old man before being set upon by his younger neighbours.

Jeff Stokes, 36, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court to serious assault of a person over 60 and common assault.

The court heard the New South Welshman turned Beenleigh resident was going to sleep at his home on April 5, 2022 when he was woken by a disturbance out the front.

He saw an elderly couple, a man aged 61 and a woman aged 58, rummaging through his bins for recyclable cans.

Stokes got into a heated argument with the couple about the noise and then grabbed the man’s headlight and removed it along with his glasses, causing scratches to the victim’s face.

The court heard the elderly man’s 58-year-old partner came to assist and Stokes grabbed her tightly by the arm and moved her out the way.

A 61-year-old man was bashed after he was caught going through a wheelie bin to collect cans.

Three young neighbours heard the disturbance and attacked Stokes by kicking and punching him repeatedly.

When Stokes was arrested he told police he failed to see why his actions were unreasonable.

Magistrate Terry Duroux expressed sympathy for people who were trying to get a few extra dollars by collecting cans.

“These people are just trying to supplement their pension and get a few extra bob,” he said.

Mr Duroux said because of Stoke’s age a probation order was not necessary.

“Look after yourself, go and get a mental health plan.”

He was fined $1000 for the serious assault of a person over 60 and fined $450 for the common assault

Convictions were recorded for both offences.