Buck Stanley Beitzel, 45, of Hemmant escapes suspended jail sentence for Belmont bashing

“You are trying to root my stepdaughter”: A blotto crane operator has left a footy foe bloodied and a popular tavern in chaos.

A crane operator bashed a concerned stepfather after a clash between footy fans escalated, a court has heard.

Appearing at Wynnum Magistrates Court on Monday Buck Stanley Beitzel, 45, of Hemmant pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and committing a public nuisance within a licensed premises.

The court heard Melbourne Storm supporter Beitzel on October 21 had been verbally sparring with an acquaintance and South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter at the Belmont Tavern when a barbed accusation sparked violence.

The court heard Beitzel’s victim allegedly stated, “You are trying to root my stepdaughter”.

Beitzel first swatted the victim’s drink out of his hand which prompted bystanders to physically intervene.

An undeterred Beitzel then threw his own drink at the man, hitting him on the chest.

CCTV footage captured the defendant subsequently charging at the man, punching him in the face and onto the ground.

According to police, Beitzel pushed other patrons away when they attempted to stop his attack which persisted with follow-up punches.

Buck Stanley Beitzel outside Wynnum Magistrates Court. Picture: Marcel Baum.

The defendant was eventually manhandled by multiple patrons but left his victim with lacerations to his neck, a laceration to his lip and a torn shirt.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Duncan Blackburn said the “vicious” and “unprovoked” attack in a licensed venue put the community at risk.

Noting Beitzel had previous assault offences on his history dating back seven years ago, Sen Constable Blackburn submitted a suspended prison sentence was within range.

Defence solicitor Warren Rosen challenged the notion that the attack was unprovoked and categorised it as “two middle aged” blokes who had an argument that went too far.

Mr Rosen noted his client had not drunk alcohol since January, had sought anger management counselling and had no further contact with his victim.

Acting magistrate Ann Gummow accepted a business card from the defendant as proof of his attempts to seek counselling from the card provider.

Beitzel was fined $900 with a conviction recorded.