Drew Alan Wood faces Byron Bay court after attacking man at Great Northern Hotel

An English man lost his cool over “lighthearted banter” at a popular Byron Bay pub, launching into a gutless coward punch attack. Here’s how it went down.

The Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay.

An English man broke another man’s jaw in an unprovoked attack at the popular Great Northern Hotel during a stay in Byron Bay.

Drew Alan Wood faced Byron Bay Local Court on Monday

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to recklessly causing grievous bodily harm on January 6.

Wood was spending a night at the busy Byron pub when he asked a man and his mate where they came from at about 1am on the day.

The victim’s friend said they were Australian and Wood replied “we invented Australians”, according to police facts.

“What do you mean by that?” The victim asked.

“It’s all your fault for all the racist stuff that’s happened here then.”

The pair walked away after what they considered to be “lighthearted banter”, turning their backs to Wood.

Drew Alan Wood, 23, outside the court.

Wood ran after them and punched the man from behind, according to police facts.

His right fist connected with the victim’s jaw and the man fell to the pavement.

The incident was captured on CCTV.

Police reported that the man “suffered severe pain and swelling” as a result of the punch.

He was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital and underwent surgery.

The procedure included the removal of one of the victim’s wisdom teeth and a metal plate was inserted into his jaw.

The man sought $1031.05 compensation in lost wages resulting from the attack.

Defence lawyer Tom Ivey said the victim made a full recovery and that “everyone was very intoxicated” when the incident occurred.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said the offending was serious and the charge could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

The case was adjourned to March 21.

Originally published as Drew Alan Wood faces Byron Bay court after attacking man at Great Northern Hotel