Charles Wulf Kwan sentenced over brutal attack on Q1 night manager
CCTV video has revealed the moment a teenager launched a brutal attack on a night manager at the Q1 in Surfers Paradise which left him with severe facial injuries and unable to return to work. SEE VIDEO OF THE ATTACK
Police & Courts
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A NIGHT manager at the Gold Coast’s tallest luxury tower was walking through the lobby when a teen walked up and punched him the face, causing severe facial injuries.
The teen continued punching after the manager ended up on the ground.
The entire incident, which lasted about 30 seconds, was captured on CCTV at the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise.
The brutal footage was taken minutes after Charles Wulf Kwan attacked a security guard at the tower.
The footage of Kwan attacking the night manager was played to the Southport District Court after the 18-year-old pleaded guilty on Monday to grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning bodily harm.
Kwan was silent as he walked from court after being sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ prison with immediate parole.
He has spent 34 days in custody.
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Judge Richard Jones said: “It’s an appalling crime he has committed,” he said.
“It was cowardice and violence against, particularly in the second attack, a much smaller man.”
Judge Jones noted Kwan had no other criminal history, had done anger management, mental health and alcohol abuse programs since the incident.
“What is going to be achieved by sending him back to prison … it would only be deterrence,” he said.
Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy said the security guard had been called to the unit Kwan and his friends and family were renting due to noise on June 27 last year and then again early the next morning.
On the second occasion the group was fined.
Soon Kwan and another man were spotted fighting in a lift.
When the security guard approached, Kwan said, “what c***”, three times before punching him in the face.
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Ms Guy said the night manager was talking to police about another incident when he heard a loud noise.
When he went to investigate Kwan punched him with no warning. Kwan continued punching while the night manager was on the ground.
Ms Guy said the night manager was left with severe facial injuries and would have been left with permanent disfigurement if he did not receive medical help.
The court was told the night manager has not been back to work and has lodged a WorkCover claim.
Defence barrister Marty Longhurst, instructed by TWC Lawyers, said it was a case of “frustrations boiling over”.
“He was an intoxicated, frustrated man who didn’t have the life skills to deal with those feelings,” he said.
Mr Longhurst said Kwan had saved $3000 to pay the victim compensation.
He said Kwan was remorseful and had undergone counselling to deal with alcohol and anger problems.
The court was told Kwan had also surrounded himself by older men and church figures in an effort to find guidance.
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