Barry Hunt: Launceston man’s Mona Foma meltdown revealed

A Tasmanian man with a history of drunk and disorderly conduct had a wild meltdown when refused entry for Midnight Oil, a court has heard.

A Tasmanian man refused entry to see Midnight Oil at this year’s Mona Foma had a wild meltdown, remonstrating with security and attempting to distract them before making a desperate dash for the promised land of burning beds.

Mowbray man Barry Richard James Hunt, 48, who works in the printing press of a Launceston daily newspaper, pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court on Wednesday to a charge of disorderly conduct.

The court heard Hunt’s meltdown occurred in late-January at Royal Park, where Midnight Oil were headlining a show as part of the popular Mona Foma.

It was submitted on Hunt’s behalf that he was “obviously intoxicated” and “excited to see the show he paid $150 for”.

However, his night headed south when security refused him entry for being too drunk, but advised he might be allowed in if he sobered up by a tree for 15 minutes.

Breaking News Breaking News Mowbray man Barry Richard James Hunt, 48. Picture: Alex Treacy

Hunt was subsequently refused entry a second time, at which point he “attempted to distract security by shouting and waving his arms” before he made an unsuccessful dash past them.

Police were called and arrested Hunt who had been detained by security after a short melee.

It was submitted on Hunt’s behalf he was “frustrated” and perceived security to have acted “unfairly”.

He subsequently contacted Mona to apologise, the court heard, and was “embarrassed” by the incident.

Hunt had prior convictions for public nuisance, verbally abusing police and failing to comply with lawful directions, the court was told.

Magistrate Ken Stanton said it was clear the common factor running through all Hunt’s low-level offending was overindulgence in alcohol.

He was convicted and fined $200.