Nikola Kataric: disgraced soccer player sentenced for Varsity Lakes break-in

An esteemed soccer player and business owner has been sentenced for his involvement in a Varsity Lakes break-in that saw the occupants fleeing into the street for help. Read what happened here.

Nikola Kataric, 32, leaves Southport Magistrates Court after being sentenced for break-in offence. Picture: Emily Walker

A former soccer captain and esteemed business owner has walked from court after pleading guilty to break-in charges on the Gold Coast

Nikola Kataric, 32, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday to wilful damage, possess dangerous drug and enter dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence by break in the night whilst in company.

The court heard Kataric and three other men attended a Varsity Lakes home around 8.10pm on November 11, 2024.

The group entered the front yard of the property by breaking a fence panel before approaching the back door of the home and moving items in the immediate area, including a barbecue.

Nikola Kataric, 32, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court to break-in charges. Picture: Facebook

The court heard Kataric physically removed the flyscreen of the door by pulling it off with his hands before one of his co-accused allegedly smashed the glass door to gain entry.

The occupants of the home approach the door during which Kataric and the co-offenders began yelling at them

The court heard the group forced entry to the dwelling with the occupants having to flee from the home, running into the street for help.

Kataric and the co-offenders left the scene but police were able to locate Kataric’s fingerprints at the scene on the barbecue.

Detectives executed a search warrant at Kataric’s home and located him with two diazepam tablets in his wallet on November 13, 2024.

Two of the co-accused, Ali Fadel Fahad and William Manuhu are due to be sentenced on Tuesday.

Kataric’s defence barrister Anthony Kimmins told the court his client became involved in the incident when he was approached by the co-offenders and asked to come along to try mediate it.

He said there was a monetary dispute between the co-offenders and one of the people in the Varsity Lakes home.

Mr Kimmins said Kataric, who knew and grew up with the person, had tried to meet with them previously but they didn’t show up.

“This has brought great shame on himself and his parents and his family,” Mr Kimmins said.

The court heard Kataric was involved in the soccer and the Serbian community. Picture: Facebook

He told the court Kataric had been involved in soccer and was looked up to by many people in his local Serbian community.

The court heard the Meadowbrook man, who is the owner of a plastering business, served time in custody for one month just prior to Christmas.

“He was besides himself wondering what was going to happen with the business,” Mr Kimmins said.

Magistrate Deborah Mitchell noted Kataric’s work in the painting and plastering industry.

She said Kataric played a part in the Serbian community which she said was very important.

“So you’re looked up to by a lot of people,” she said. “This isn’t the kind of example we want our young people to have.”

She said the court had been told the matter had brought a lot of shame to Kataric.

“Frankly sir, I would say good – as it should,” she said. “I daresay despite anything I say today, your Dad’s already said stuff that’s way worse.”

Kataric agreed.

“And Mum as well,” he said.

“Even better,” Ms Mitchell said.

Kataric leaves Southport Courthouse with his partner, family and friends after his sentencing. Picture: Emily Walker

Kataric was sentenced to 31 days imprisonment with the time he served in custody taken into account as time already served.

He walked from court with his partner, friends and family.

A conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Nikola Kataric: disgraced soccer player sentenced for Varsity Lakes break-in