Teenager punched transgender man in ‘out of character’ outburst in Surfers Paradise

A teen apprentice tradie has faced court over a ‘shameful’ attack on a transgender man during a night out in Surfers Paradise. Find out what happened.

A teenager who punched a transgender man and called him a homophobic slur in an “out of character” moment will not face further punishment for the attack.

Kingaroy man Malachi Patrick John Stanley, 19, pleaded guilty to one charge of committing public nuisance in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Malachi Patrick John Stanley.

The teen punched the transgender man in the face, called him a homophobic slur and verbally abused the man during a night out in Surfers Paradise in the early hours of September 18, the court was told.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of a licensed premises where other people were present.

The victim did not wish to pursue charges over the assault, the court was told.

Stanley’s legal representative said the 19-year-old was on a night out with friends and was heavily intoxicated.

He described Stanley’s actions as an “out of character” moment and said the apprentice tradie was “very remorseful”.

The incident occurred in Surfers Paradise on September 18.

The court was told the 19-year-old had spent seven hours in police custody and received a fine after the incident.

Magistrate Janice Crawford described Stanley’s conduct as “quite shameful”.

Taking into account the time spent in custody and fine he received, she did not further punish the teen.

No conviction was recorded.