Blake James Edwards: Apprentice given 150 hours community service after brutally beating security guard Ricky Wood
An apprentice has walked from court after being sentenced over his involvement in the brutal beating of a Burleigh security guard which left the injured man with missing teeth and severe bruising.
AN apprentice involved in a brutal beating of a Burleigh security guard walked from court to perform just 150 hours community service.
The brutal attack on Ricky Wood, 45, on July 29, 2017 left the former security with a permanent tick down his left side, missing a number of teeth and severe bruises to his head and face.
Blake James Edwards, 21, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Edwards was in a group who were refusing to leave the Burleigh Heads Surf Club.
Moments before the attack he was heard to say: “Watch this security guard get bashed”.
A fight broke out and Mr Woods tried to stop Edwards’ father from assaulting another patron.
Edwards was then seen to punch Mr Wood in the side of the face.
The court was told that was the only punch he threw.
Other people in the group punched, hit and kicked Mr Wood.
No one else has been charged over the brutal bashing.
Judge Paul Smith sentenced Edwards to 150 hours community service to be completed in 12 months.
He also ordered Edwards pay $500 in compensation.
“You had too much alcohol on the day which explains it but it doesn’t excuse it,” he said.
Mr Smith slammed the behaviour of the group.
“Numerous witnesses observed the complainant act professionally and calmly and generally your group was acting in an agressive manner in response,” he said.
Mr Smith acknowledged Mr Wood’s injuries but said he could only sentence Edwards on the basis the Crown put before him.
The prosecution could only prove Edwards had thrown one punch resulting in bruising to Mr Wood’s face.
Edwards’ barrister Craig Eberhardt offered Mr Wood $500 in compensation.
Mr Wood, sitting in the back of court, laughed at the amount.
Mr Eberhardt said Edwards, who hoped to apply for a builder’s licence, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack.
“He has a bright future which should not be overshadowed by an act of gross stupidity,” he said.
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Mr Eberhardt said Edwards had never been in a fight before.
He said he worked as an apprentice carpenter and builder and wanted to start his own business.
Mr Eberhardt said Edwards had played football and never been involved in a fight during the game.
He said it was out of character for Edwards.
No conviction was recorded.
