Daniel Vescio sentenced over wild northern beaches nightclub brawl
A man has been sentenced over a wild nightclub brawl in Manly, which later saw him bragging about the fight in a text message.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man who slapped the back of a stranger’s head before the start of a wild nightclub brawl later bragged about the fight in a text, saying: “F*** I just punched on … Hahahahahha … Dropped 3.”
But Daniel Thomas Vescio, 22, ended up being charged with affray and narrowly missing a stint in jail.
Vescio, of Frenchs Forest, fronted Manly Local Court for sentencing on Friday after pleading guilty to the July 6 incident at a popular Manly bar.
He tried to have the charge dropped on mental health grounds, but the application was rejected by Magistrate Michelle Goodwin.
Just after 10pm Vescio entered the Daniel San bar after visiting a nearby restaurant. He had consumed 10 beers before the incident.
The court heard that Vescio told police that a “bald man” had been “eyeing him off” before Vescio slapped the man on the back of the head.
A police facts sheet tendered to court said the victim, who was celebrating his brother’s 43rd birthday, said: “Mate, why are you whacking me in the back of the head?”
Vescio said, “What if I do?” The victim told him “I’d rather you didn’t”.
Vescio then said, “You here with yours boys are ya?” The victim said “No I’m just at my brother’s birthday party, yes these are my friends.”
When the conversation became heated, the victim’s friends attempted to calm Vescio but instead, he began throwing punches.
Two men were hit to the face and during the commotion another man, not Vescio, threw a glass, wounding a man’s ear.
That man has been charged with reckless wounding and affray and will appear in court on December 19
Vescio and his friend were thrown out of Daniel San by security and later arrested at neighbouring venue.
Police Prosecutor Sgt Williams told Manly Court: “This is a serious offence and the affray occurs in a relatively small bar. People are injured as a result of that conduct.
“He sent a text message to his friends bragging about the misconduct.”
Vescio’s barrister Jehane Ghabrial said her client was a “young man who’s recognised his wrongs” and has been seeking treatment for his substance abuse and mental health problems.
He began using cannabis at 16 and took cocaine on a weekly basis since he was 19.
The Magistrate was shown evidence that Vescio had been diagnosed with acute depression and anxiety as well as ADHD.
“You’re a young man, it is very obvious to me there’s a long way to go but it’s to your credit you’ve made such great efforts,” Ms Goodwin said.
“However if you keep up this behaviour and you come to the court again, you may find yourself in full time custody.
Vescio was handed a 12-month community corrections order to be of good behaviour.