Shannon James Finemore critically injured in Fortitude Valley assault
One of the man charged over an assault in Fortitude Valley that left a man fighting for life has exploded outside the Brisbane watchhouse, telling reporters to “f**k off” and “get out of my face or or I’ll start coughing all over youse.” It comes as the victim is identified. SEE THE VIDEO
Police & Courts
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One of the man charged over an altercation in Fortitude Valley that left 37-year-old Shannon James Finemore fighting for life in hospital has launched a stunning tirade outside court.
Michael Trevor Royce Collins, 28, exploded as he left the Brisbane Watch-house, telling awaiting reporters he would contest the charges.
“They should have kept their f**king mouth shut,” he said when asked about the incident.
“Get out of my face or I’ll start coughing all over youse.”
He repeatedly told reporters to “f**k off”.
Collins and his co-accused Harley James Raithby Hoodless, 29, of Logan, are charged in relation to altercation on Tuesday night during which 37-year-old Fortitude Valley man Shannon James Finemore was punched, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground.
Mr Finemore was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Police will allege one of the men was armed with an iron bar, similar to a crowbar, however police say this was not used during the fight.
The victim still had a pulse when he was taken to hospital, however had to be placed on a ventilator assisted breathing machine.
Police say Mr Finemore and Scott Joseph McGillivery were walking on Water St when they became involved in an argument with two other men from a nearby apartment block about 8.45pm.
It is alleged the two men from the apartment block came downstairs and confronted the Mr Finemore and Mr McGillivery on Trinity St.
Hoodless was charged with grievous bodily harm and had his matter briefly mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
He did not appear in court and no application for bail was made.
His lawyer requested a brief of evidence be made available.
Magistrate Mark Nolan remanded Hoodless in custody and adjourned his matter until December 14.
Collins was charged with going armed as to cause fear and two counts of common assault.
He appeared briefly in court and was granted bail by Magistrate Mark Nolan.
Collins’ lawyer Hellen Shilton, from Legal Aid, said he had been living in the unit for about three weeks.
“The incident arose because of a private matter that was happening within his house,” she said.
“My client became angry and upset because strangers passing by decided to interfere and mock him whilst he was in the privacy of his home.”
The court heard his partner had mental health issues which could make things “very stressful” at times.
Police prosecutor Tara Williams opposed bail.
While stating that Collins was the lesser culpable defendant Sgt Williams said there was a risk to the community.
“It was an inappropriate response to the situation,” she said.
“He appears to be the instigator in the circumstances that caused it to become a much more volatile situation than it needed to be.”
The court heard the common assault charges related to him brandishing the crowbar – he did not use it.
“He does drop the crowbar,” Sgt Williams said.
Mr Nolan adjourned the matter to December 2