Taumata Moana Nui Akiwa Epiha: Man’s drunken assault on McDonalds employee fined

A man who was violent and verbally abusive inside a Helensvale McDonalds in late-night chaos has faced the music. Read what he did to staff and his punishment

Taumata Moana Nui Akiwa Epiha, 35, pleaded guilty to common assault and wilful damage. Epiha entered a Helensvale McDonald’s around 3.15am on April 13, 2025. Picture: Facebook

A man who threw a cup of Coke on a Helensvale McDonald’s employee, called her a “useless manager c***” and pushed her has been hit with a hefty fine.

Taumata Moana Nui Akiwa Epiha, 35, pleaded guilty when he appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday to common assault and wilful damage.

The court heard Epiha entered the McDonald’s outlet and yelled the obscenity at the woman around 3.15am on April 13, 2025.

After throwing a cup of Coke at her, which hit her and spilt over her clothes, he then walked around the counter and confronted the employee.

The court heard he was so close to her that she could smell the alcohol on his breath.

He continued to scream at her and pushed her with his open palm.

Epiha later went to a nearby service station around 3.20am and kicked a hire-car that was being refuelled.

The court heard Epiha kicked the vehicle multiple times, causing a minor dent on the right quarter panel and minor damage to the rear quarter panel.

No restitution was sought

Defence barrister Daniel Barker, instructed by Garde Wilson Lawyers, told the court his client had been drinking on the night of the offence and has a criminal history tethered to alcohol abuse.

Mr Barker told the court Epiha, who had not committed any criminal offences since 2021, had relapsed into alcohol use after learning terrible family news.

He said Epiha met his brother at a pub, he drank to excess, went overboard and his memory is hazy on what unfolded.

The court heard Epiha has since completed two online counselling courses targeted at addressing alcohol abuse and anger management, has not drunk alcohol since the offence and has engaged in counselling with a psychologist.

Mr Barker said Epiha was deeply ashamed and is committed to addressing his problems so that he can return to being the productive, law abiding member of the community he had been for the past five years or so.

He submitted a fine and a period of community service would fairly balance the seriousness of the offending.

Magistrate Louisa Pink said it would have been a frightening experience for the McDonald’s employee.

She noted his criminal history indicated alcohol is a long term problem for him.

She referred to a letter from a psychologist which said Epiha had made a commitment to stay away from alcohol.

She said Epiha had taken steps to address his alcohol use.

Ms Pink accepted that community service was in range but said in her view, probation was more supportive for Epiha’s rehabilitation and his long term abstinence from alcohol.

Epiha was fined $700 for damaging the car and placed on a six months probation order.

During this time, he cannot commit another offence and must take part in counselling as directed by a corrective services officer.

Originally published as Taumata Moana Nui Akiwa Epiha: Man’s drunken assault on McDonalds employee fined