Malcolm Ronald Glassett sentenced for assault on man in Surfers Paradise kebab shop

A dad’s unprovoked assault on another man at a Surfers Paradise kebab shop after his work Christmas party has landed him in the court dock.

A father has narrowly dodged time behind bars for an unprovoked attack in a Surfers Paradise kebab shop that left his victim with several facial fractures.

Malcolm Ronald Glassett was waiting in line behind his victim just before 2am on November 27, 2022. The other man’s brother and friend had already received their food and moved away.

Southport District Court was told Glassett nudged the other man in an attempt to “move him along”, but was told he had only got part of his order and was still waiting.

CCTV footage played in court showed Glassett suddenly slamming his forearm into his victim’s face, causing him to stumble backwards, then shoving him out of the kebab shop.

His victim was taken to hospital with fractures to his cheekbone, nose, and eye socket. He underwent surgery days later.

The court was told that without treatment, the man’s injuries would have caused permanent disfigurement and asymmetry.

Parts of the man’s victim impact statement were read to the court, revealing that in addition to suffering ongoing blurred vision, he was no longer able to enjoy social activities with friends or family and intended to seek professional help.

Defence barrister Jason Buckland, instructed by Rawlings Criminal Law, said his client managed two commercial kitchens as part of his father-in-law’s business – a loss that would be felt if he was sent to jail.

Mr Buckland said the 46-year-old was a father figure to his partner’s three children and financially supported his own children to previous partners.

The court was told Glassett been drinking at his work Christmas party that night, with a letter from his partner saying he was not a regular drinker and that she had never seen him as intoxicated as he was that night.

Mr Buckland said his client had written an apology to his victim and was prepared to pay up to $10,000 in compensation.

Judge Deborah Holliday said it was a finely balanced decision as to whether Glassett would serve actual jail time, acknowledging he had completed anger management and drug and alcohol courses.

“This is serious offending, it is completely unprovoked,” Judge Holliday said.

“The complainant suffered and continues to suffer both physically and psychologically.”

Glassett pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm.

He was sentenced to two and a half years’ jail with immediate parole release and ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation to his victim.

Originally published as Malcolm Ronald Glassett sentenced for assault on man in Surfers Paradise kebab shop