‘Stupid, foolish, immature’: Costly consequence for miner’s pub punch-on

An incident of ‘alcohol-fuelled violence’ could have had ‘tragic consequences’ for a pub-goer at the Norfolk Tavern, Beenleigh Court has heard.

A Gold Coast man has been ordered to cough up $2000 for punching a punter at the Norfolk Tavern at Ormeau, following a plea of guilty at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

FIFO mine worker Jesse Luke Parker Whear, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm for a drunken disagreement that turned violent on November 2, 2019.

The court heard Parker Whear had been drinking heavily at a friend’s birthday celebration when he got into an altercation with another pub goer.

In what Parker Whear himself described as “stupid, foolish and immature” behaviour, he ultimately ended up pushing the man and punching him squarely in the face, causing him to fall headfirst to the floor.

Jesse Luke Parker Whear pleaded guilty to pushing and punching a man, causing injury.

The victim sustained an injury to his ankle which prevented him from walking for a period of time.

He also sustained several cuts to the inside of his mouth.

The court heard the behaviour was “out of character” for Parker Whear, who had a limited criminal history, and likely driven by his excessive consumption of alcohol.

Parker Whear’s defence counsel told the court he realised after the event he “perhaps” had an issue with alcohol and has taken several steps to address the problem since, including seeking advice from a general practitioner.

Magistrate Clare Kelly told Parker Whear he was fortunate the victim did not suffer a critical injury.

“Unfortunately (this type of offending) can lead to much more tragic consequences,” Magistrate Kelly said.

Parker Whear was fined $1000, ordered to pay $1000 as compensation to the victim and no conviction was recorded.