Punch felled teen at music show

A 54-YEAR-OLD man has admitted punching a 16-year-old boy at a country music concert in Geelong.

St Albans Park forklift driver Brian Evans committed the unlawful assault during a Lee Kernaghan show at Corio’s Gateway Hotel on March 18.

Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told yesterday the blow to the victim’s jaw knocked him to the ground, where he started shaking and vomiting. He was later treated for shock.

The court heard the punch was thrown after the teenager told an unknown woman to “f--k off” after she twice knocked his hat off.

Questioned later by police, Evans denied the assault.

“I can’t say if I did or I didn’t, but if I did it would’ve been an accident in self-defence,” he told officers.

Before admitting his guilt yesterday, the defendant asked magistrate John Lesser for a sentence indication.

His lawyer Stephanie Mawby asked Mr Lesser to im- pose a fine, noting his clean criminal history and limited finances.

She said alcohol was not a factor in the offence, saying Mr Evans had only three drinks before he threw the punch.

Mr Lesser told Mr Evans he would give him “the benefit of doubt”.

“Whatever happened got out of hand,” the magistrate said.

Mr Evans was fined $1250 without conviction.