Aaron Joshua Voisey: Rockhampton man escapes jail time after coward punch on stranger
A Bundaberg man was left with a broken jaw after he was savagely attacked from behind by a stranger who coward punched him after a night at the pub.
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A Bundaberg man has been left with metal plates and screws inserted in his face after a stranger punched him from behind at a local pub.
Jackson Paulson, 20, was left with a broken jaw, lost his job and was unable to play his beloved footy after a night out at The Globe Hotel.
Gracemere man Aaron Joshua Voisey, 30, appeared in the Brisbane District Court on Monday charged with one count of grievous bodily harm in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
The then 27-year-old Voisey was visiting the pub on July 21, 2018 with his brother and friends when he was asked to leave just after midnight.
Mr Paulson was with his partner and a friend at the venue when a squabble broke out after Voisey accused him of “laughing at him” after he tried to purchase shots.
Mr Paulson and his partner came across Voisey outside the pub where they began “pushing and shoving” each other after Voisey told Mr Paulson’s partner to “f**k off slut”.
Once separated Voisey turned and charged again at Mr Paulson from behind, landing a punch to the right side of his face from behind.
The court heard how witnesses heard “the crack of the blow”.
Mr Paulson fell to the ground with blood pouring from his mouth.
Crown Prosecutor Ron Swanwick told the court Voisey initially left the scene but admitted to officers he had punched Mr Paulson.
The court was told he then falsely claimed self defence as he was set upon by a large group.
He was released at the time without charge.
Mr Paulson was left with a fractured jaw, and he was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital the day after the melee where the break was surgically repaired with four screws and three plates.
He was unable to eat solid food for six weeks.
Police caught up with Voisey again after he relocated to Rockhampton. He maintained that a group surrounded him and he was struck first.
He was charged on June 11 last year.
Mr Swanwick said Mr Paulson could not be blamed for the attack as Voisey returned to him minutes after the first scuffle.
“Any hot-blooded feelings should have well and truly had time to calm down,” he said.
“The altercation was not serious but he did return and landed a punch from behind when the complainant was completely unprepared and unaware that it was coming.”
Defence counsel Mr Polley told the court his client was “remorseful”.
“I explained that the complainant (Mr Paulson) had been out of work, he offered if there was something he could do.
“He said he could come up with about $2000 (for compensation).”
The court heard the father of one now living in Rockhampton was the sole provider for his child and his ex-partner.
The court was offered two character reference letters from the 30-year-old’s employer and his ex-partner.
“Mr Voisey has expressed sorrow,” Mr Polley said.
“He’s not a regular drinker … however that night he consumed way beyond his usual point.”
The Gracemere man pleaded guilty, and he was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with immediate parole granted.
He was ordered to pay $2000 in compensation to Mr Paulson.
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