Dean Manoussakis sentenced for drunken assault on mate at Vinyl Room, Gymea

A man who works in his family’s cleaning company punched then kicked his friend while he lay motionless on the ground during an alcohol-fuelled assault at a popular south Sydney nightclub.

Dea Manoussakis was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to common assault and behaving in an offensive manner in a public place. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

A man who works for his family’s cleaning company punched his mate in the face then kicked him while he lay motionless on the ground during an alcohol-fuelled assault at a south Sydney nightclub.

Dean Manoussakis, 24, initially had “good intentions” to help his drunk and argumentative friend get home but soon after rendered him unconscious in the vicious attack.

The Sylvania Waters man was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to common assault and behaving in an offensive manner in a public place.

Agreed facts tendered to court state Manoussakis was drinking with friends at nightclub Vinyl Club in Gymea on June 17.

Manoussakis’ friend was kicked out of the venue for being aggressive and confrontational towards other patrons but he refused to leave.

Manoussakis was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court.

Manoussakis intervened, steered his friend towards the taxi rank and encouraged him to go home. The friends got into a verbal argument before Manoussakis pushed his mate in the chest, causing him to step backwards.

Manoussakis then punched his friend with a closed fist in the jaw who fell to the ground unconscious.

The 24-year-old stood over his friend who lay motionless and kicked him in his ribcage.

A security guard intervened and pushed Manoussakis away before police and paramedics were called.

The victim was argumentative and incoherent due to the assault and his level of intoxication.

He also refused medical treatment from paramedics and Manoussakis was arrested.

In court, Manoussakis’ lawyer Jordan Djundja said his client had a “complete over-reaction”, noting alcohol played a significant factor and the his behaviour was an “aberration”.

Mr Djundja said his client tried to help calm his friend but when the victim kept “mouthing off” Manoussakis made the “stupid and regrettable decision to confront” and assault him.

The court heard Manoussakis had undertaken counselling to address his alcohol and aggression issues, noting he realised how close he came to causing a tragic situation.

Mr Djundja said Manoussakis and the victim had spoken since the incident where Manoussakis had apologised and they made amends, noting they were still friends.

Mr Djundja said Manoussakis worked in marketing and business development for his family’s cleaning business where he had been employed since leaving school in Year 10.

The court also heard Manoussakis played competitive soccer for many years and volunteered with the club.

Mr Djundja asked for Manoussakis to leave court without a conviction but Magistrate Clare Farnan noted the offence was at the higher end of seriousness.

She acknowledged Manoussakis had taken steps to address his alcohol use and behaviour, noting his initial good intentions and otherwise good character.

Manoussakis was sentenced to a community correction order where he must be of good behaviour for 18 months, continue alcohol counselling and fined $600.