Thomas Hoggett threw tape measure ‘missile’ into Carl Cox festival crowd, hitting girl in eye
A Mornington man was knocking back a few beers with his mates as they carved it up at a Mt Martha music festival. That was until he landed himself in deep trouble when things got out of hand — literally.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
High jinks have led to a high penalty for a merry music lover after the tape measure he carelessly chucked into a festival crowd landed in a girl’s eye.
Thomas Hoggett was with his pals having a few beers at a Carl Cox disco event at The Briars in Mt Martha when he and his mates started playing silly games.
The Mornington 22-year-old took his tradie friend’s tape measure from his tool belt and launched it skywards.
Problem was it came straight down into the crowd, crashing into a young girl’s face.
His alcoholic antics led to him pleading guilty to one charge of throwing a missile causing an injury at the online Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The court heard Hoggett and his group were messing around at the February 16 festival with one of their mates who had turned up in work gear.
After he threw the small measuring device into the air he carried on enjoying the sounds, oblivious to the damage he had caused.
The young woman he hit went straight to the medical tent for treatment, later having to attend hospital for her injury.
She suffered swelling, redness and soreness to her left eye.
Hoggett was later identified as the chucking culprit and was interviewed by police, and he admitted his missile crime.
He told officers “people were mucking about with the tape measure, like pulling the tape out and stuff”.
He said he had “had a bit to drink so I grabbed it and threw it into the crowd”.
He said he didn’t know it had hit anyone, but “still knew it was a stupid thing to do”.
Hoggett’s defence lawyer said the apprentice cabinet maker was extremely remorseful and had written a letter of apology to the woman.
He said his client, who had never been to court before, had sought counselling after the incident.
Magistrate Vicky Prapas said such “alcohol-fuelled stupidity” could cause harm, as evidenced in this case.
“This sort of behaviour is a real problem at festivals,” Ms Prapas said.
“It impacts people who are out just having a good time.”
She said Hoggett may be remorseful, but this “stupid, thoughtless act” was a bad blemish on his record.
“I accept you have done pretty well over the past 22 years,” she said.
“On this occasion you exposed a person to a significant eye injury.
“I need to send a message to young men like you to behave responsibly in a public environment.”
Hoggett was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and must pay $1000 to the court fund.
No conviction was recorded.
MORE COURT NEWS
BRICKIE IN STRIFE AFTER FACEBOOK AGGRO LEADS TO BRAWL