Bailey Jordan McGraw pleads guilty to Surfers Paradise assault

A man previously convicted of assault has pleaded guilty to a one-punch attack on another man on the Gold Coast, with a court told exactly what sparked the violence.

A man knocked another man to the ground in the Glitter Strip’s party centre after his victim interrupted an “emotional” discussion with his girlfriend.

Bailey Jordan McGraw and his then-partner were in Surfers Paradise in the early hours of February 10 when another man interjected, prompting the couple to ask him to leave.

Southport Magistrates Court was told there was a brief verbal exchange between the trio before McGraw punched the other man once in the face.

McGraw’s target was “stunned” and fell to the ground, but was not knocked unconscious.

The blow caused pain and the man’s lip to bleed, though there was no indication he suffered any further injuries as a result of the punch or fall, it was heard.

Prosecutor Rodney Keyte said it was concerning McGraw – who was convicted of common assault in 2022 – was back before the court for another violent offence, but that he was still a young man with an opportunity to rehabilitate.

Defence solicitor Mark Butler, of Osborne Butler Lawyers, said the 20-year-old had written a letter of apology to the court and was offering compensation to his victim.

Mr Butler said his client was a young man and father who was experiencing stress at the time of the assault, which was a result of the earlier interaction between the men and did not cause any serious injuries.

McGraw pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and several other charges.

He was fined $1750 and ordered to pay $750 in compensation to his victim. He was placed on a six-month good behaviour bond in relation to the other charges.

No conviction was recorded.