Pensioner Michael Patrick Neill, 82, blames sister’s death for drunk Redcliffe Maccas outburst

A drunk pensioner, 82, found asleep in a Moreton caravan park gutter, harassed two teenage McDonald’s employees later that day because he was upset at his sister’s death, a court has heard.

Michael Patrick Neill leaving the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on June 19, 2024.

A drunk pensioner found asleep in a Moreton caravan park gutter harassed two teenage McDonald’s employees later that day because he was upset at his sister’s death, a court has heard.

Michael Patrick Neill, 82, appeared in the Redcliffe Magistrate Court on June 19, 2024, charged with one count of commit public nuisance.

He pleading guilty, telling the court he was ashamed of his actions.

The court heard that on June police received information that Mr Neill was intoxicated and asleep in the gutter of a Clontarf Village caravan park.

Police prosecutor Mick Godfrey said that only a few hours later police were called after Mr Neill began harassing staff at a Moreton Bay McDonalds.

He said Mr Neill was approaching customers while they were waiting in the drive-through.

The 18-year-old female shift supervisor had to escort him inside the store for his own safety.

Michael Patrick Neill leaving the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on June 19, 2024.

“She observed the defendant was drinking liquor inside the restaurant,” Mr Godfrey said.

“Ultimately he (Mr Neill) ended up going behind the counter. When that occurred she asked him to leave, which he refused.

“A short time later police arrived and spoke to two of the employees — one was 16 and one was 18.

“They identified that the defendant walked behind the counter, stood over the younger employee and was arguing about utensils.

“He also approached customers in their vehicles in the drive-through, requesting they drive him home.

“When police were speaking to the employees, they gave police what she had taken from the defendant — wine, cash and his identification.”

The court heard Mr Neill told police he was upset because his sister had recently died.

“He was ultimately arrested to prevent any further offences from happening,” Mr Godfrey said.

“A police attempt to divert him failed and they took him to the Sandgate watchhouse where he was released on bail.”

Mr Neill’s lawyer Andrew Stewart said his client had limited recollection of the events and also said he had been drinking heavily since his sister’s death.

PRedcliffe court heard Mr Neill was intoxicated and harassing staff at a McDonalds. Picture: File

The court heard Mr Neill, a pensioner, lived alone in the Deception Bay caravan park.

“As you heard, he apologised for his behaviour,” Mr Stewart said.

“He does have a history of a similar nature. I accept it’s some years old.”

Magistrate Mark Bucknall fined Mr Neill $500 and recorded a conviction.

“You do come before the court with similar offending,” Mr Bucknall said.

“These were young staff at McDonalds and members of the public using that facility.

“You went beyond being disruptive to their work, you went behind the counter.

“I’m sure they had concerns. They shouldn’t have to tolerate the behaviour and carrying on the way you did on the day.”