Ariz Rahimi: Uptown Barbers co-owner assaulted Ivy security guard

A co-owner of a popular central Sydney barber shop has been told his behaviour was ‘reprehensible’ as he faced court for slapping a nightclub security guard across the face.

A co-owner of a popular central barber shop slapped a nightclub security guard across the face after he was kicked out for being too drunk, a court heard.

Ariz Rahimi, 27, faced Downing Centre Court charged with common assault and staying near a licenced premises after being excluded.

He was not convicted for the offences.

According to facts tendered to court, the co-owner of Uptown Barbers on George St in central Sydney was inside the Ivy at 12:30am on Saturday April 2 when he was escorted outside by Halo security employee Sourabh Juneja for being too drunk.

Mr Juneja, Rahimi and three other security guards were at the top of stairs at the entry/exit point when Rahimi became argumentative towards Mr Juneja and a manager, the facts read.

Refusing to leave the venue, Mr Juneja had to be physically removed by another security guard and was told he must leave the premises and be at least 50m away, otherwise he would be committing an offence.

“Once security had escorted the accused to the end of Palings Lane and were on George St, the second security guard has released his grip on the accused,” the facts read.

Ariz Rahimi (left) leaves Downing Centre Local Court after facing an assault charge

“The accused has then turned around and using his right hand with an open palm slapped the victim (Mr Juneja) across the left side of his face”

“The accused then walked towards the tram lines on George St and swung his arm again, making slight contact with the victim. The accused then attempted to run from the security guards where he has tripped and fallen, causing abrasions to his face”.

After the physical altercation, Mr Juneja stayed near the Ivy and argued with security and management.

He tried to re-enter the nightclub but was physically prevented by friends and security and eventually walked away — the entire incident caught on TV.

Police attended the scene and arrested Mr Juneja, before he was taken to hospital due to suspected concussion.

Mr Juneja’s lawyer, Faraz Maghami, said his client had completed the WHOS alcohol and drug addiction recovery program.

He told the court a guilty plea was entered as early as possible and he had shown remorse and contrition.

Rahimi left court without a conviction. Picture: John Grainger

Referring to Mr Maghami’s residency status as not yet an Australian citizen, Mr Maghami said a conviction would have dire consequences.

Magistrate James Viney said nobody, especially someone doing their job, deserves to be accosted by anybody.

“All because you were too drunk to remain on the grounds of the establishment,” he said.

“The behaviour is reprehensible, especially from someone here on conditional liberty, and hardly something we would want to see replicated in future citizen”.

But ultimately, Magistrate Viney chose not to convict Mr Juneja, who was sentenced to a two-year conditional release order for two years and was banned from entering the Ivy for the same period.