Trenayne Sandbrook faces Taree court pleading guilty to common assault after The Royal Hotel dispute

An argument in a pub’s gaming room escalated into violence, landing a Mid-North Coast concreter in court. Here’s what happened.

Trenayne Sandbrook. Picture: Facebook

An argument in a Taree pub’s gaming room turned violent when a concreter started throwing punches, leaving another man battered and bruised.

Trenayne Sandbrook from Coolongolook, a small town south of Taree, faced Taree Local Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to common assault.

The 28-year-old was drinking at The Royal Hotel on the afternoon of June 18.

The victim, known to Sandbrook through mutual friends, was also there and at one point he entered the gaming room to vape, according to court documents.

Sandbrook followed him and they started arguing over an issue between them that had been simmering about six months.

Trenayne Sandbrook leaves Taree court on October 24.

Sandbrook started throwing punches – the victim ducked the first blow, but several connected.

He was left with red marks and swelling on his face and pain in the throat, where he also copped a strike.

Sandbrook’s lawyer Andrew Giles told the court his client was a “talented rugby player when he was younger”.

He said the fight had been sparked by a falling out with people Sandbrook had known for some time.

Magistrate Sharon Crews said it wasn’t the first time Sandbrook had faced court for assault and he was let off without a conviction in 2016.

Later, in 2018, Sandbrook was convicted and fined $750 for resisting an officer and $500 for failing to comply with an officer.

“He needs to keep his hands to himself,” Ms Crews said.

“I get the feeling you drink more than you should,” she told Sandbrook.

He was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month community correction order.