David Wesley Lealiki, Alexandra Hills, faces court over bayside assault

A bayside father-of-eight has faced court after a brutal attack in a pokies bar where he smashed a glass over a man’s head.

David Wesley Lealiki, 40, leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court.

A bayside father-of-eight has faced court after he and his son were involved in an attack on a group at a Cleveland pokies venue that led to him smashing a glass over a man’s.

Alexandra Hills resident, David Wesley Lealiki, 40, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates court on Tuesday, November 22, to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.

The court heard Lealiki, his wife and their son were at the Cleveland Sands Hotel on October 3 when an argument broke out with a group at the pokies.

“The defendant was seen having a verbal argument with a male,” the police prosecutor said.

“He picked up a glass that was on a bench and things escalated.

“They started fighting before he grabbed the glass and struck the victim in the head, causing it to shatter.”

Lealiki’s lawyer, Tanya Dower, said the assault was out of character.

“He’s a loving and supporting father,” Ms Dower said.

“There had been some discussions between the two groups.

“The fight broke out involving his son, he stepped in.

“It was the night of the NRL grand final.

“He’s intoxicated, he accepts that’s no excuse, it was just senseless.”

Ms Dower said Lealiki did not intend to break the glass on the victim’s head.

“He was trying not to spill the drink,” Ms Dower said.

“It’s a classic case where he threw the punch when he had the drink in his hand.”

Both Lealiki and his 18-year-old son were charged.

“What should be most important is the example that you set for your 18-year-old son,” Magistrate Deborah Vasta said.

“He took your lead, he tried to back you up.

“You should have pulled the pin a long time earlier.

“You’ve just got to walk away.”

Lealiki was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service

Convictions were not recorded.