Man accused of fracturing skull in Gatton pub fight to settle charge out of court

A former boxer accused of fracturing a Gatton man’s skull during a pub fight in regional Queensland is attempting to settle the matter outside of court.

Charlie John Coveney, 28, stands accused of one count of grievous bodily harm arising from a Gatton pub fight that left a man fighting for his life.

A Lockyer Valley tradesman accused of causing life-threatening injuries to a man during a fight at Gatton is attempting to settle the matter outside of court.

Charlie John Coveney, 29, stands accused of one count of grievous bodily harm arising from a fight outside the Gatton Hotel on December 3, 2022.

The victim, Matthew Hawkins, was put in an induced coma after suffering serious head injuries that required multiple brain surgeries.

Charlie John Coveney (main image) has faced court accused of seriously assaulting Matthew Hawkins outside a Gatton pub on December 3, 2022.

Following the incident, Mr Coveney was refused bail before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court, but was granted Supreme Court bail in May 2023 after spending six months in custody.

The former boxer’s matter was mentioned before the Toowoomba Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 7, for an application to vary his bail conditions.

Fisher Dore Criminal Lawyers principal Michael O’Brien said Mr Coveney wanted to speak with the complainant for mediation purposes, however he was prohibited from contacting the man.

He said the charges were still before the lower courts due to a number of delays.

“(They) are summarised as delays of the brief of evidence, including DNA evidence, and also complications from the prosecution’s perspective,” he said.

When the scuffle broke up outside the Gatton Commercial Hotel it was alleged Mr Coveney rushed Mr Hawkins, knocking him to the ground and causing a skull fracture.

Mr O’Brien said a committal hearing was cancelled because the witnesses were not available, as well as the prospect of settling the matter via mediation.

“Shortly thereafter, our officer received confirmation from the prosecution that the complainant, Mr Hawkins, was a willing participant in the mediation process,” he said.

He said Mr Coveney had since hired a private mediator and instructed his office to lodge the application to vary his bail conditions so that the process could begin.

The court heard that after the father-of-two was charged with assault, police raided his home, which resulted in additional charges relating to weapons.

Justice Catherine Muir noted the matter was dragging before the courts and said she was satisfied that it was in the interest of justice and the court for the matter to progress.

The court heard Mr Coveney would only be able to contact Mr Hawkins for the purpose of the mediation.

Mr Coveney’s bail order was revoked, and he was ordered to sign the updated undertaking.