Teenagers arrested after alleged attack on Aqua Park worker

Three teenagers have been arrested by police after one allegedly assaulted a worker at the popular Gold Coast Aqua Park attraction when they were asked to leave. Full details.

Inflatables at the Gold Coast Aqua Park at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A 20-year-old worker at the Gold Coast Aqua Park in Southport was taken to hospital on Sunday night after being assaulted when he asked three teenagers to leave.

The male worker was punched in the face when he confronted teenagers aged 15, 16 and 17 who had climbed on to inflatables at about 6.25pm – more than an hour after the Broadwater Parklands attraction had closed for the day.

One of the three, a 16-year-old boy from Beenleigh, allegedly responded by punching the worker in the face.

He suffered a split lip and swelling and was taken by ambulance to Gold Coast University Hospital where he was assessed to ensure he had not suffered a more serious head injury.

The three teenagers involved were quickly taken into custody, with Superintendent Peter Miles from Gold Coast police saying the 16-year-old was expected to be charged with trespass and assault occasioning bodily harm.

“They (the teenagers) shouldn’t have been there. They were trespassing, they hadn’t paid to be there, he asked them to leave,” he said.

“And then the 16-year-old assaulted him by hitting him to the face with a closed fist.

“ .... (The 20-year-old was) just going about his normal day business, asking people to leave that shouldn’t have been there and this is how they reacted. It’s just over the top and so unnecessary.”

Superintendent Peter Miles. Picture: Keith Woods.

Supt Miles said the 16-year-old who allegedly punched the worker was well known to police. The other two teenagers were released with cautions.

“Two are from Beenleigh, one from Chambers Flat. Two have been released and then the third one, he is well known to us, he’s got significant dealings with us. He’s the 16-year-old that allegedly did the punching,” he said.

“ ... (We’re) looking at a bodily harm charge. It was a serious enough offence to be bodily harm.”

The 20-year-old victim of the alleged assault has since been released from hospital and is said to be doing well.

“He was probably done for the day and ready to go home and then this happens to him. It’s just frustrating to see that he was put through that,” Supt Miles said.

“He did go to hospital to get treatment. Any trauma to the head is a concern for us obviously and for the QAS officers as well.

“He was taken to hospital just to get checked out and just to ensure that there was nothing underlying or no issues.

“I believe he’s since been released from hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

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Originally published as Teenagers arrested after alleged attack on Aqua Park worker