Andrew Phillip Armstrong, 45, Arana Hills, assaults Eagleby campsite manager
A Moreton Bay father’s savage gang attack on a campsite manager he suspected was ripping him off has been revealed in court.
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A Moreton Bay father’s savage gang attack on a campsite manager he suspected was ripping him off has been revealed in court.
Andrew Phillip Armstrong, 45, was at an Eagleby campsite on April 23 last year when he approached the campsite manager, whom he believed was “ripping everyone off”.
Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard on Monday, June 12 that Armstrong said “we should crack him” before the victim was punched in the back of the head by another man.
Armstrong, from Arana Hills, and the two other men continued to assault the campsite manager as he curled up on the ground in a defensive position before trying to get into his car and flee.
The court heard the victim’s bag, containing his wallet and $180 in cash, was ripped from his shoulders.
When police arrived they found him covered in mud and his car had been stolen.
Evidence tendered to the court showed he had bruising, discolouration on his ribs and scratches from the attack.
No charges have been laid in relation to the two other men.
When Armstrong was questioned by police he said he was not there when the attack happened, but would have attacked him if he had the chance.
“I wasn’t there but if I was, I would have given him a touch-up myself,” Armstrong told police.
He pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Police prosecutor Harry Coburn said the attack was planned and instigated by Armstrong.
“It was a gratuitous assault that was premeditated and cowardly,” he said.
Magistrate Tracy Mossop accepted the attack was out of character, but said the victim had suffered.
“Your actions caused harm to the victim and I have to take that into consideration,” she said.
“It was only good luck they did not receive serious injuries or you would be facing time in prison.
“You also lied to police.”
Armstrong was sentenced to 12 months’ prison, with an immediate parole release date.
He was also ordered to pay $800 in compensation to the victim.
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Originally published as Andrew Phillip Armstrong, 45, Arana Hills, assaults Eagleby campsite manager
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