Caleb Ernst fronts court after his role in Boxing Day bashing outside nightclub in Mildura

A 21-year-old Mildura man claimed he was retaliating to a racist remark when he instigated the bashing of a man outside a nightclub on Boxing Day 2023.

Caleb Ernst pleaded guilty to his role in an assault outside Honey nightclub in Mildura on Boxing Day

A 21-year-old finance broker who took part in a Boxing Day bashing of a man outside of Honey Nightclub in Mildura has fronted court.

Caleb Ernst, formerly of Mildura and now living in Melbourne, pleaded guilty in the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday to one count of unlawful assault for his involvement in the attack that left the victim unconscious and needing to be transported to Mildura Base Hospital.

Ernst claimed he was retaliating following a racist remark that was made. However, that fact is disputed by the victim.

Ernst shoved the victim to the ground and was heard to have said, “I could kill you, you little b---h”.

The court heard that Ernst and two alleged co-accused were involved in the attack, however Ernst’s role in the assault was deemed to be lesser than the two alleged co-accused.

A Victim Impact Statement was read to the court that detailed the man’s struggles of leaving the house since the incident. It also revealed the impact the incident had on his parents and his girlfriend.

Ernst said he realises that “violence is never the answer,” and the incident should have played out differently.

He was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay a $200 fine to the court fund.

The magistrate told him if he stays out of trouble over the next 12 months, he will avoid recording a conviction.

His two alleged co-accused’s both had their hearings adjourned on Monday and will return to court on June 4.