‘Not unlawful’: Teen’s shirt ripped off, breast exposed while restrained by The Star security guards

A teen was pinned down by five security guards at The Star in a struggle that left her almost naked. Find out why she was ordered to pay them compensation

A teenage woman who bit a security guard was placed in a “crucifix hold” by five personnel at The Star, with the struggle resulting in her shirt being ripped off and her breasts exposed, a court was told.

At about 3.55am on May 27 last year, Jayda Ellen Punter, 18, and a friend arrived at The Star casino in Broadbeach after a night out at Surfers Paradise.

Punter, who is prescribed various medications for anxiety, ADHD and PTSD, had taken a few shots with her friend despite knowing that her medication should not be mixed with alcohol the Southport Magistrates Court was told on Thursday.

Police prosecutor Sophie Gorrick said Punter and her friend were denied entry to the casino because they smelled of alcohol and were told to leave the premises.

The Star casino on the Gold Coast.

While searching for the exit, Punter neared the taxi zone but decided to go to the bathroom first, the court was told.

A female security guard entered the bathroom shortly after, banging on the stall door.

Punter, who still had her skirt down and had no underwear on, opened the door to find a male security guard had also entered the bathroom.

Punter’s lawyer Michael Gatenby of Gatenby Criminal Law said the situation escalated, with Punter becoming distressed and calling the security guard a “pedophile”.

Three more guards, all men, entered the bathroom and physically restrained Punter in a “crucifix hold” and her shirt was ripped off in the process.

“Her breasts are very clearly exposed and her skirt is down and it’s indicated that she wasn’t wearing any underwear,” Mr Gatenby said.

“There’s four men sitting on top of her while she’s in a state of undress.”

Jayda Ellen Punter pleaded guilty at Southport Magistrates Court to three assault charges and one failure to leave premisses after biting a security guard at The Star casino. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

Jayda Ellen Punter, an aged care worker, told the court she hopes to pursue a university degree in nursing. Picture: Facebook

Mr Gatenby said Punter kicked two security guards in the stomach and knees and bit a third guard who had his arm around her neck.

After some time, she was taken out of the bathroom, while undressed and in full view of patrons, and was taken into police custody.

“Again, I am not suggesting anything unlawful,” Mr Gatenby repeated throughout his submission.

“She accepts that she placed herself in that situation. But she described herself as being scared, humiliated and felt like she was treated like an animal.”

Mr Gatenby added that the incident was out of character for Punter, who according to her psychiatrist of three years does not struggle with alcohol use.

Punter pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, two counts of common assault and one count of failing to leave premises of a licensed building.

Magistrate Louisa Pink sentenced Punter to 18 months probation for the assaults, fined $150 for failing to leave and ordered to pay $1200 in compensation.