Leopold’s Andrew Martini pleads guilty to intentionally causing injury following pub attack
A Newcomb hotel became a kickboxing ring for a pub patron who unleashed a “football kick” and flurry of punches in a forceful attack, leavin his victim with lasting injuries.
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A Leopold man is likely to avoid jail following a frightening attack on a defenceless pub patron that has left the victim with memory loss.
Andrew Martini, 51, was drinking beer at The Peninsula Hotel in Newcomb on February 20 last year with his partner when he punched an “unconscious” man.
Martini approached the victim who was drinking with a mate about 9:45pm and accused him of making a derogatory comment about his female partner, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday.
Bar staff reported the woman was drunk about two hours before the incident, was given water to drink and repeatedly told to “settle down.”
The court heard Martini’s partner used “significant force” to push the victim which caused him to hit the front of a bar and land on the floor.
Police prosecutor Kerrie Moroney said the man was on his hands and knees trying to get up when Martini moved quickly, wound up and unleashed a “football kick” to the man’s face and head.
As the man lay “motionless” on the floor, Martini grabbed the victim and punched him in the head, the court was told.
The court heard despite Martini being restrained by three men, he broke free and punched the victim in the head about four times in a short but forceful attack.
Asked about the aftermath of the incident, a witness told police the victim was “motionless and in my opinion was out cold and was unconscious.”
Martini allegedly told pub patrons the victim “deserved” the brutal beating, and left about a minute after the attack.
Sergeant Moroney said the victim’s only recollection from the night of the attack was waking up lying on the floor of the pub, and again waking up in hospital.
The victim — who was concussed and spent seven hours in hospital following the assault — has no memory of the incident or anything in his life for a week before it, the court heard.
Magistrate Peter Mellas said despite Martini’s previous good character in his professional life he appeared to have a “darker side” to his personal life.
Martini, who pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury, has undergone four counselling sessions with rehabilitation provider Odyssey House.
Asked for a sentence indication, Mr Mellas told Martini he was likely to be fined and put on a “medium to long-term” community corrections order. The order is likely to offer Martini treatment for alcohol and other issues.
Martini, who is on bail, will return to court on March 1 where his defence lawyer will put forward factors that should be taken into account when he is sentenced.
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Originally published as Leopold’s Andrew Martini pleads guilty to intentionally causing injury following pub attack
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