Dennis Tadinac stabs man in neck with oyster fork at Broadbeach Tavern - lucky not to hit an artery

A man has been described as in a state of “almost insanity” when using an oyster fork in a vicious, unprovoked attack on a stranger at a popular venue. Read what’s being blamed for his outburst.

Dennis Tadinac leaving the Southport courthouse after pleading guilty to stabbing another man in the neck with an oyster fork. Picture: Jessica Paul

A man has narrowly avoided time behind bars after stabbing a stranger in the neck with an oyster fork in the middle of a Gold Coast pub.

Dennis Tadinac, 51, had been at the Broadbeach Tavern for several hours by the time he approached his victim at about 4.30pm on November 26 last year.

Southport Magistrates Court was told Tadinac stood up and stared at the other man – who was talking on his phone – and then walked over, picking up a steel oyster fork from his victim’s table while seemingly waiting for him to finish his conversation.

It was heard Tadinac became increasingly aggressive and “erratic” towards the other man, then suddenly stabbed the oyster fork into his neck.

Dennis Tadinac leaving the Southport courthouse after pleading guilty to stabbing another man in the neck with an oyster fork. Picture: Jessica Paul

Tadinac swung the small weapon a second time into the other man’s chin before bystanders intervened.

The court was told the victim’s wounds were treated in hospital, where staff told him he was lucky his attacker had not struck an artery.

Tadinac was intercepted by police days later, where he said the unprovoked assault may have been triggered by his drinking alcohol for the first time in two years and mixing it with medication.

Defence barrister Martin Longhurst, instructed by Fraser Lawyers, said his client’s combination of alcohol and opioid-based painkillers put him in a state of “almost insanity” and left him with no memory of the attack.

Mr Longhurst said Tadinac took the medication after suffering several spinal injuries in his years as a roofer, and had that day consumed “a few beers” upon learning he needed possibly career-ending shoulder surgery.

He told the court Tadinac had since written a letter of apology to his victim and could also offer financial compensation.

Magistrate Sarah Thompson told Tadinac he was “quite fortunate” the other man’s injuries were not more severe, but accepted he had since stopped drinking entirely and was at low risk of reoffending.

Tadinac pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years, and ordered to pay $500 in compensation to his victim.