Welshman Daniel James Talbot in Rockhampton court for assault

He thought he was doing the right thing - protecting a woman. But his failed attempt at chivalry landed him in hot water rather than the mistaken attacker.

Daniel James Talbot, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, was ordered to pay $2000 compensation within 28 days, carry out 60 hours of community service within 12 months and placed on probation for two years.

He thought he was doing the right thing - protecting a woman.

Daniel James Talbot, 32, thought a man was taking a swing at a female outside a food shop at 3am so he intervened.

But his method of intervention is what landed him in court, rather than the man he mistakenly believed was attacking the female.

Talbot fronted Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 24 where Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale explained that the victim and female were ‘playing’ before Talbot punched the victim in the early hours of November 3, 2024.

Police prosecutor Claudia Neill-Ballantine said this one punch resulted in the victim losing consciousness while falling to the ground.

“It is extremely fortunate that the victim has not suffered any worse injuries,” she said.

“In similar cases, just one punch has resulted in extreme consequences, including fatality.”

Ms Neill-Ballantine said this assault was aggravated by the fact it occurred in a public place, in front of people getting food, at 3am.

The court heard the victim regained consciousness, having only lost consciousness momentarily, before police arrived.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said her client instructs he only drinks alcohol a few times a year and it was not normally an issue for him.

She said alcohol did play a huge factor in this offending.

“Stupidly, under the influence of alcohol, he assaulted this man,” Ms Legrady said.

“He thought the victim was pushing a girl… was offended by what was occurring.”

“In other circumstances, it might be admirable to intervene … but this was a situation you misread because of your drunkenness,” Ms Beckinsale said.

Ms Legrady said Talbot was born in Wales in the United Kingdom where his parents, who work in a nunnery, and siblings still reside.

She said he was two years into a four-year work visa in Australia, normally residing in Brisbane with his partner of seven years, and working out of the Rockhampton area at the Clarke Creek Wind Farm installing wind turbines.

Ms Legrady said Talbot had offered to pay the victim compensation prior to the sentencing proceedings as part of case conferencing which had been rejected by police prosecutions.

Talbot pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, was ordered to pay $2000 compensation within 28 days, carry out 60 hours of community service within 12 months and placed on probation for two years.

A conviction was not recorded.

Originally published as Welshman Daniel James Talbot in Rockhampton court for assault