Manu Jackson John Ketchell slaps 22 year old after close call near Mackay school

A middle-aged man followed home a 22-year-old to get some ‘respect’ after he was flipped off outside a Mackay high school.

An angry railway worker who claimed he was cut off outside a Mackay school followed home a younger driver to get some “respect”.

Manu Jackson Ketchell, 41, was driving near Mackay State High School on August 12 when a car in front of him came to a sudden stop about 8.30am outside the school yard.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Ketchell stopped in time and the cars did not physically touch, but the pair traded a series of honks before the other driver, 22, flipped him off and drove towards his home in Ooralea.

Manu Jackson John Ketchell pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court for assault. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Ketchell’s lawyer Robyn Cathcart said the young man’s behaviour had frustrated her client who followed him home.

She said her Ketchell had confronted the 22 year old in his driveway with the intention to get “a little respect”.

“But he didn’t get that, he was continually sworn at,” Ms Cathcart said.

The court heard Ketchell then “slapped him across the ears”, telling him to “have some respect” and to “fix up his driving”.

Ketchell pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court on October 25 to common assault.

‘You can’t just follow home a 22-year-old person when you’re 41 and assault them for giving you the finger and stopping at a crossing, it‘s not acceptable’. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said while a fine was in range for the railway worker — it was not appropriate.

“This is someone half his age, and [Ketchell] is not a small man,” Ms Hartigan said

“I don’t know what the other person is like, but that would have been terrifying for anyone, to drive to your home and have someone follow you.

“You can’t just follow home a 22-year-old person when you’re 41 and assault them for giving you the finger and stopping at a crossing, it's not acceptable.”

Ms Hartigan sentenced him to 50 hours of community service.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Manu Jackson John Ketchell slaps 22 year old after close call near Mackay school