Reece Robertson and Kahu Matehe sentenced over Central Coast Leagues affray

Two 19-year-olds won’t be getting on the grog when restrictions ease over summer after being sentenced for a “disgusting and dangerous” affray at Central Coast Leagues Club.

Two men, both 19, have been sentenced over a prolonged and nasty affray in which they punched and kicked a man while he was on the ground.

Reece Robertson, of Hamlyn Terrace, and Kahu Matehe, of Wadalba, faced Gosford Local Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to one count each of affray.

An agreed set of facts states the pair were drinking excessively with a group of friends at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Friday, September 18, 2020.

“About 10pm due to their level of intoxication and being disorderly the group were told to leave the club,” the facts state.

While they were leaving Robertson and Matehe came across two males they didn’t know.

“The groups were seen to taunt each other,” the facts state.

“About 10.35pm (Victim 1) can be seen to look behind him several times until he eventually turns back and approaches the accused,” the facts state.

“(Victim 1) pushes the accused with both hands to the chest area, however, Robertson pushes (Victim 1) back causing him to fall to the ground.”

Two of Robertson and Matehe’s friends rush in to try and stop the assault and a second victim grabbed Robertson, who turned around and punched him twice to the face.

“The second punch causes (Victim 2) to fall to the ground,” the facts state.

Matehe, meanwhile, punches Victim 1 to the head and face about six times.

Reece Robertson, 19, all smiles.

Kahu Matehe. Picture: NewsLocal

They fall to the ground before Matehe grabs Victim 1 by the jacket and drags him a few metres.

“Robertson and Matehe then repeatedly punch and kick (Victim 1) on the ground,” the facts state.

“Robertson uses a closed right fist to punch (Victim 1) eight times to the face. Matehe kicks (Victim 1) three times to the face. Robertson, Matehe and friends then leave (Victim 1) on the ground and leave the car park.”

Police were called and found the first victim with bruising and swelling around his face and he was taken by paramedics to hospital for observation.

Robertson’s Barrister AJ Karim said the fight was instigated by the victim and his client’s reaction was an “aberration” spurred on by excessive alcohol.

They were kicked out of the leagues club for being too drunk. (File image)

Matehe’s solicitor Javid Faiz said there was no degree of planning and his client came to the court with no prior criminal record.

Magistrate Jennifer Price said in Matehe’s sentencing assessment report he said he probably would not have done it if he was alone and the affray was all too common in a “testosterone fuelled environment”.

Magistrate Price said while she accepted there was some degree of provocation “the behaviour was disgusting and dangerous” and they retaliated with “a level of violence that was sustained and clearly excessive”.

She said it was just fortunate the victims did not suffer significant injury or death.

Magistrate Price convicted both men and sentenced them to an intensive corrections order for 14 months with 150 hours of community service.

She also ordered them to abstain from alcohol for six months to “bring home the dangers of binge drinking” and warned them any breaches would see them go before the State Parole Authority.