Coen Dean, Kaiden Sakaio, Tadgh O’Shea and Zackary Midson sentenced in court after Coffs Harbour Pier Hotel fight
A trio of mates have walked from court after they pleaded guilty to bashing a man in a brutal Coffs Harbour revenge attack. Here’s what happened.
Police & Courts
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A trio of mates have walked from court after a brutal revenge attack at a Coffs Harbour pub.
The three men, Coen Dean, 22, Kaiden Sakaio, 21, and Tadgh O’Shea, 21, were drinking at the Pier Hotel in Coffs Harbour.
Coffs Harbour Local Court was told Zackary Midson approached them acting “weird and aggressive” on January 15, 2021.
Police said. Midson became “agitated” by O’Shea, approached him and punched O’Shea in the face three times, leaving him bloodied on the floor.
O’Shea had his arms by his side when he was struck, the court heard.
Midson was kicked out by pub security guards a short time later.
O’Shea returned to his friends covered in blood and told them he had no idea why Midson attacked him, according to police facts.
The riled-up trio followed Midson outside the venue, seeking retribution.
Midson approached Element Bar and a punch-up broke out.
Dean stomped on Midson’s head twice before he was pulled away by Sakaio and O’Shea.
Midson was knocked out in the revenge attack.
The court heard O’Shea was the least involved of the mates who went after Midson.
Dean, Sakaio, and O’Shea pleaded guilty to common assault while facing the court on January 31. A charge of affray was dropped for each of them.
Lawyer Todd Ritchie told the court the trio were friends for many years and grew up in Coffs Harbour together.
He said the trio were considered to be of good character and “productive” members of society.
Mr Ritchie said they had limited criminal records and strong character references.
Mr Ritchie said the fight was not planned and the group did not go out seeking a fight.
Midson was sentenced for affray on September 20, 2021.
Magistrate Theresa Hamilton said the assault was serious, particularly given the head stomps but agreed Midson initiated the violence.
“The victim (Midson) started it without provocation – but there was no need to follow and accost him,” she said.
Midson did not suffer lasting injuries, despite being “unresponsive” for a period.
Dean was convicted and sentenced to a two year community corrections order, while Sakaio was handed a one year community corrections order with a conviction.
O’Shea was sentenced to a conditional release order for 18 months, with no conviction recorded.
Ms Hamilton warned: “I hope you’ve learned from this.”
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