Murray Watkinson in court for Railway Hotel Yeppoon assault

A pokies room with a smashed glass door and a “trail of blood” was what police officers saw when they were called to a Yeppoon hotel last month - here’s what happened.

Murray Douglas Watkinson faced Yeppoon Magistrates Court on September 28.

It was 8pm on a Tuesday night last month when police were called to an incident at Yeppoon’s Railway Hotel.

When they arrived, they saw a smashed glass gaming room door and a “trail of blood” near it.

Now it can be revealed what happened.

Murray Douglas Watkinson had been refused service by staff due to his level of intoxication and he refused to leave the hotel, a court has heard.

Watkinson became fixated on another male patron, advanced towards him, and put his head against the other man’s head.

The other man walked away in a bid to “de-escalate” the situation, but Watkinson followed him outside and hit him in the stomach and face.

Watkinson returned inside and punched the gaming room door multiple times, causing significant damage.

The court heard that Watkinson continued his threatening and disorderly behaviour by punching a coffee machine in the bar area, damaging it.

When police got to the hotel, Watkinson was receiving treatment for a cut wrist.

Railway Hotel Yeppoon.

In Yeppoon Magistrates Court on September 28, Watkinson, 46, pleaded guilty to common assault while intoxicated in the vicinity of a licensed premises and wilful damage.

The court heard that Watkinson had no criminal history and the prosecution sought $2061.17 restitution for the damage he had caused at The Railway Hotel on the night of September 19.

Police also made a banning order submission.

Solicitor Myles Heath said Watkinson was a labourer who conducted shutdown work in factories across Australia.

Mr Heath said on the day of the offending, a family member of Watkinson’s had died and he decided to “have some drinks”.

The solicitor said Watkinson knew he had taken things “too far” with his behaviour.

Magistrate Cameron Press placed Watkinson on probation for nine months and ordered he perform 100 hours of unpaid community service.

Mr Press also imposed a 12-month banning order at Capricorn Coast licensed premises and ordered Watkinson pay $2061.17 restitution.  

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Murray Watkinson in court for Railway Hotel Yeppoon assault