Jonathan Luke Briggs: Helensvale man guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage
A Gold Coast veteran and small businessman has pleaded guilty to assault and wilful damage after attacking two men on Remembrance Day over an apparently insignificant dispute. See the shocking CCTV.
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A Gold Coast veteran and small businessman has been captured on CCTV footage launching into a blistering attack on his neighbour and neighbour’s friend, storming up a driveway before launching himself at the two men and pushing over a pricey motorcycle.
On Thursday, the man depicted in the footage, Jonathan Luke Briggs, 46, a 12-year veteran of the Royal Australian Navy, pleaded guilty to wilful damage and assault occasioning bodily harm (AOBH).
The court heard the assault and damage occurred about 7pm on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2023, at Helensvale’s Forbes Pl, which abuts Briggs’ residence.
Footage obtained by this masthead, from cameras situated both inside the garage and over the driveway belonging to Briggs’ neighbour, depicts two men inside the garage peering out into the darkness of the driveway as a combustible Briggs approaches.
The defendant, apparently incensed by the recent riding of the motorcycle around the street, can be heard tossing wheelie bins before storming the garage, yelling, “Come on then.”
He then pushed one of the men into shelving, before the third man ran to the aid of his friend, the trio spilling out onto the driveway as punches are thrown.
At one point, a woman can be heard saying, “Jon, get off,” and the men informing Briggs they had him dead to rights courtesy of the CCTV.
“You’re going to be done for assault, man,” one of the men said.
“See you in court buddy.”
Briggs was originally charged with two counts each of AOBH and wilful damage, but ultimately only pleaded guilty to two of the charges.
The court heard he had a relevant but dated criminal history.
Acting Magistrate Thompson said that while she understood Briggs’ emotions were heightened due to Remembrance Day, his behaviour and conduct far exceeded what would have been appropriate for what was ultimately a minor dispute.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for an operational period of nine months.
Briggs was also ordered to pay restitution.
The court heard Briggs and his wife, who was supporting her husband in court, intended to move away from the Helensvale area following the closure of Briggs’ small business at the end of last year.
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Originally published as Jonathan Luke Briggs: Helensvale man guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage
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