Mitchell Luke O’Brien: Tattoo artist accused of assault outside Burleigh Heads’ Justin Lane

A tattoo artist accused of punching a teenager twice to the head at a Burleigh Heads nightspot has fronted court, with police revealing the circumstances of the alleged assault.

A tattoo artist accused of punching a teenager twice to the head was trying to protect his Honda Jazz, a court has been told.

Mitchell Luke O’Brien is alleged to have punched a 19-year-old in the head near popular restaurant and bar Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads about 8pm on Saturday.

He was granted bail on Monday.

O’Brien faced Southport Magistrates Court charged with grievous bodily harm and drunk or disorderly conduct.

The teen was left with skull fractures, bleeding on the brain and it is not clear if he will have permanent brain damage the court was told.

Mitchell Luke O’Brien, a tattoo artist accused of an assault at Burleigh Heads on Saturday, October 1, 2022

Magistrate Michelle Dooley granted O’Brien bail with strict conditions which include that he reside at a Coolangatta home, report to police three times a week, he not have an alcohol reading above 0.05 when in public and abide by a curfew between 6pm and 6am.

She described the allegations as “very serious”.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michael Vanderhelm told the court the victim had approached O’Brien’s car, a Honda Jazz, on the night out.

He said O’Brien spoke to the alleged victim “aggressively” before the attack.

“The attack that occurred was disproportionate,” Sen Const Vanderhelm said.

The court was told the teenager was struck twice.

“The second was the blow that rendered him unconscious, hitting the ground,” Sen Const Vanderhelm said.

The court was told O’Brien fled.

Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads, where the alleged assault occurred. Picture: Jerad Williams

Sen Const Vanderhelm said the latest condition report from the hospital said the alleged victim had a skull fracture, bleeding on brain, was currently ventilated and doctor’s were unsure of long term brain injuries.

Defence lawyer James Treanor, of Hannay Lawyers said O’Brien had parked his car near the tattoo shop where he worked and “does not know why the complainant was trying to open the car door”.

He said O’Brien had “assumed something untoward” was happening to his car.

“He has at some point realised that has been significantly outnumbered and taken off on foot,” Mr Treanor said.

He told the court that witness statements were yet to be completed by all five of the witnesses and what they said would be significant in the matter.

Mr Treanor said O’Brien had a history of alcohol problems and had a psychologist appointment on October 6.

Outside of court, Mr Treanor said he was unable to confirm at this stage if O’Brien would be contesting the charges.

“This is traumatic for everybody, including the complainant’s family, who would be very stressed,” he said.

“The complaint is still in hospital

“Our client’s family is very stressed. It is not good circumstances for anybody.”

Mr Treanor said O’Brien was “very stressed”.

Follow @leae