Bromley Wilks, 22: Boozed up Berowra barber attacks Uber driver outside north shore pub

A Sydney Uber driver thought he was going to die when he was put in a choke hold by a boozed up barber on a 10-beer bender. See what happened in court

Bromley Wilks, 22, a barber from Berowra, who was convicted in Manly Local Court on October 5, 2023, of assaulting an Uber driver at Crows Nest. Picture: Instagram (Wilks Cuts Barbershop Berowra)

A boozed-up Sydney barber on a 10-beer bender put an Uber driver in such a strong choke hold outside a pub that the victim thought he was going to die.

The rideshare driver begged Bromley Wilks, 22: “I can’t breathe man”, during the Saturday night assault near the Crows Nest Hotel.

Wilks, who runs his family’s barber shop at Berowra, had wrapped his left arm around Gebrael Gorial’s neck after he intervened in an argument between the intoxicated haircutter and his girlfriend early on July 22.

Manly Local Court heard on Thursday that Wilks, who likes to promote his Wilks Cuts business to its younger customers on Tik Tok and Instagram, had ordered the Uber to take him an his female companion home after a big night out.

The would-be social media star had 10 beers at a function earlier in the evening for a rugby team that his business sponsors. He then kicked on to “The Crowie” for more beers.

Bromley Wilks, 22, a barber from Berowra, outside Manly Local Court on Thursday, where he was convicted of assaulting an Uber driver at Crows Nest. Picture: Manly Daily

But when the Uber Toyota Camry arrived on Falcon St at about 1am, Wilks was in the middle of a verbal stoush with his girlfriend.

Mr Gorial got out of his car before Wilks kicked its rear passenger side several times. The driver told Wilks that the Uber trip was cancelled and advised the woman to “go, leave him, he’s drunk”.

Wilks then grabbed the front of Mr Gorial’s polo shirt, tearing off its buttons.

According to a police facts sheet tendered to court, the barber then “attempted to punch the victim with both hands” before they both fell to the ground.

The Crows Nest Hotel where Bromley Wilks ended his big night out. Picture: Supplied

Wilks then wrapped his left arm around the driver’s neck “with force”, the police stated.

Mr Gorial said: “I can’t breathe man.

“I’m going to die. I have asthma.”

Wilks replied: “I don’t care”.

Police stated that Wilks continued to apply pressure to the driver’s neck.

“The victim felt as thought he was about to lose consciousness.”

A passer-by pulled Wilks away from Mr Gorial, befre the driver jumped in his car, locked its doors and called police.

Bromley Wilks was put on a good behaviour bond and banned from drinking alcohol for 18 minths. Picture: Manly Daily

Wilks then kicked and damaged the Camry’s bonnet and front bumper before police arrived.

His solicitor told Magistrate Robyn Denes that Wilks was heavily intoxicated and had little recollection of the offences, but fully accepted the facts.

“He finds his conduct deplorable,” the solicitor said.

Wilks pleaded guilty to one count each of common assault and damage property.

Ms Denes convicted Wilks, telling him that the Uber and cab drivers were often in vulnerable positions.

“Unfortunately they’re the ones that have to put up with drunks doing stupid things.”

Wilks was given Community Correction to be off good behaviour for 18 months and handed an alcohol ban for the same time period.