Neale James Johnson fighting common assault charge over lawn bowls etiquette stoush at Bonalbo Bowling Club
An odd argument over lawn bowls etiquette at a North Coast club allegedly ended with one man tackling a fellow bowler, who responded with a flurry of punches, a court has heard.
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An unusual argument over lawn bowls etiquette at Bonalbo Bowling Club allegedly ended with one man tackling a fellow bowler, who responded with a flurry of punches.
Neale James Johnson 64, of Hollisdale on the Mid-North Coast faced Magistrate Kathy Crittenden in Casino Local Court (being held in Lismore) on Friday.
He was accused of common assault against complainant Andrew Nicholson on March 24, 2022 and faced the court contesting the charge.
The court heard Mr Johnson was at a social bowling event and the last to bowl.
Police prosecution witness Senior Constable Nicholas Currie from Tabulam provided bodycam interview footage of Mr Johnson to the court.
The court heard Mr Johnson said to the police officer that Mr Nicholson “started carrying on” and “wouldn’t let up” when he objected to the dismissal of bowling etiquette.
“It was just rude,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Johnson told police he “put a fist up” (in the air) to “ward him (Mr Nicholson) off”.
But he claimed Mr Nicholson charged him, forcing him backwards over the chairs.
“He followed me over (the chairs),” Mr Johnson told police.
The court heard the men went over the chairs together and began wrestling.
Mr Johnson told police: “I held him down, I had my fist raised but I still didn’t hit him.”
Eventually, Mr Johnson put Mr Nicholson in a headlock, the court heard.
Mr Johnson also told police in the interview he punched Mr Nicholson five or six times in the ribs – after the tackle – before a woman appeared and the men stopped fighting.
Mr Johnson watched on quietly as his case was heard, his arms and legs crossed.
Ms Crittenden adjourned the hearing to Tuesday, November 14.
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Originally published as Neale James Johnson fighting common assault charge over lawn bowls etiquette stoush at Bonalbo Bowling Club
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