Jayden Trance Clarke-Pickford on probation after random Orchid Ave attack

A labourer is undergoing anger management counselling after he punched a man in the face all because the victim asked a question during a night out on Orchid Ave.

A LABOURER punched a man in the face all because the victim asked a simple question during a night out in Surfers Paradise.

Jayden Trance Clarke-Pickford was walking past his victim near The Bedroom Lounge Bar about 2am on April 10 when the victim asked the question that sparked the attack.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Erin Livingstone told the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday the victim asked: “How is your night going?”

But Clarke-Pickford claimed he was provoked because the victim said: “What you are you looking at?”

It was after the question that when the 21-year-old – without warning – punched the other man in the face.

Clarke-Pickford then ran into an alley where he was followed by the victim and his friends.

The pair argued until police arrived.

Clarke-Pickford pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday to common assault.

Picture: Lea Emery

Magistrate Louisa Pink sentenced him to nine months probation. No conviction was recorded.

“Someone says ‘what are you looking at’, you either walk away or respond,” she said.

“You don’t punch them.”

The victim was left with a cut and swollen lip.

Defence lawyer Tom Mohun, of Moloney MacCallum Lawyers, said there had been an altercation in The Bedroom prior to coming outside.

He said Clarke-Pickford thought he was being provoked when he was asked: “What are you looking at?”

Mr Mohun said Clarke-Pickford was remorseful and was undergoing anger management counselling.

Follow @leae