Hospo worker Telina Dyer demands respect after being punched by patron

A hospitality worker has called for more respect for the industry after being punched in the face by a patron.

A HOSPITALITY worker has called for more respect for the industry after suffering serious injuries from being punched in the face by a patron.

Telina Dyer was at work as the duty manager at the Nightcliff Sports Club when she had to ask a disorderly patron to leave the premises about 4pm on June 26.

Ms Dyer said as she was walking out behind the man, he “closed fist swung his arm back and punched me in the face”.

“He knocked my glasses off my face. And just kept walking,” she said.

The punch made contact with Ms Dyer’s cheekbone, leaving her in hospital with two gashes requiring stitches and a black eye.

A Darwin hospitality worker is calling on patrons to respect the workforce after being punched in the face by a disorderly patron Picture: Che Chorley

The incident was reported to police, with Ms Dyer and several witnesses making statements. However, she said she hadn’t received an update about the case.

About a week and a half later, Ms Dyer has had her stitches taken out.

But she’s still very emotionally shaken.

“I’ve been working in hospo for 10 years (and) I’ve been in some pretty hostile situations, but never once have I been assaulted in my life. “It’s traumatising.”

Ms Dyer said there was a clear lack of respect among the public for hospitality workers, leaving them subject to constant verbal and even physical abuse.

“We go through so much. I’ve been through so much,” she said.

MORE TOP NEWS

Dad pleads guilty to causing crash that killed five-year-old son

NT woman carrying 56kg of cannabis in four suitcases charged

Police believe NT’s own ‘Hannibal Lecter’ responsible for Queensland murder

“I used to cry at least a couple of times a week because of the (verbal) abuse.

“I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I have.”

Acting Superintendent Gregory Pusterla said no arrests had been made.

“NT Police are currently investigating an alleged assault that occurred on the 26 June 2021 at a venue in Nightcliff,” he said.

“There have been no arrests in relation to the incident and inquiries are continuing.”

Nightcliff Sports Club general manager Daniel Clarkson said support had been provided to Ms Dyer.

“We’ve never had a situation like this before,” Mr Clarkson said.