Harrison Keenan convicted punched Northies Cronulla security guard in face

A Cronulla man punched a security officer in the face when he was heavily intoxicated and asked to leave a popular nightclub in Sydney’s south.

Harrison Keenan, 27, (suit) was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

A soon-to-be father has been convicted of punching a security officer in the face when he was heavily intoxicated and asked to leave a popular nightclub.

Harrison Keenan, 27, was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and being an excluded person remaining at a licensed premises.

Agreed facts said Keenan was with his mate on November 7 at Northies Cronulla where they consumed numerous alcoholic drinks throughout the evening.

At 11.40pm, security asked all patrons to leave because the venue was closing, and 10 minutes later Keenan and his mate were told again to exit.

Keenan attempted to walk past the security guard in the opposite direction of the exit so the guard blocked him with his arms and ushered him towards the doors.

Harrison Keenan, 27, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and being an excluded person remaining at a licensed premises. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Keenan resisted the attempts and used his weight to push against the guard, who then used reasonable force to walk him towards the exit, documents said.

Keenan further pushed back before the situation escalated and they were pushing and shoving as they moved into the exit hallway.

Keenan’s mate intervened and pushed the guard out of the way and another guard helped his colleague to gain control of Keenan using grappling-like techniques.

The hotel manager arrived and tried to assist to restrain the mates before Keenan and the two guards ended up on the ground.

The friend pushed one of the guard’s before Keenan then punched the same man in the face, using a closed fist, causing immediate pain and swelling to the area.

The guard regained control of Keenan’s hands and held them until police arrived a short time later.

Keenan was arrested and taken to Sutherland police station but officers were unable to communicate with him due to his level of intoxication.

Northies Cronulla Hotel

In court, Keenan’s defence lawyer Amanda Brady said her client “acted out of character” that night, adding he had no previous criminal history.

She said he had limited recollection of the evening due to his intoxication but noted he was ashamed and remorseful, particularly after watching a video of the assault.

Ms Brady said Keenan acknowledged the guard was trying to do his job and should not have been assaulted.

The court heard Keenan was in a stable relationship and the couple were expecting their first baby in July.

Magistrate Holly Kemp said alcohol-fuelled violence against someone trying to do their job was a matter the community and courts took seriously, adding Keenan used a “high level of violence”.

However accepted the offence was out of character and he was remorseful.

Keenan was convicted and placed on a conditional release order for 14 months where he must be of good behaviour.