‘G’day’ sparks Mano’s melee

A “HIGHLY regarded” Gold Coast accountant and his two sons have pleaded guilty to an assault on a former business associate in an up-market Main Beach restaurant.

Yesterday, the Southport Magistrates Court heard the disagreement broke out at Mano’s Tedder Ave restaurant on September 25 last year.

The court heard it was sparked after Mark Richard Thiel, 61, said “G’day” to victim Kenneth Varcoe by slapping him on the back while he was seated with friends.

Police prosecutor Acting Sergeant Manon Barwick said CCTV footage revealed the pair appeared to embrace before they began shirt fronting each other and a melee ensued involving relatives and friends.

She said it led to Mr Varcoe being pushed backwards on to a bar stool, where he fell and received cuts and scratches.

Acting Sgt Barwick said the fight was provoked by a falling out over an investment property in Mexico.

Mr Thiel, represented by Jason Jacobson from Jacobson and Mahony Lawyers, pleaded guilty to slapping Mr Varcoe on the back.

“It was a slap in the back of the victim as in ‘ G’day mate’, technically that is the assault,” Mr Jacobson told the court.

When Magistrate Kay Phillipson asked if Mr Thiel was involved in the dust-up following the back slap, Mr Jacobson said he was not.

“With respect, the melee has nothing to do with it,” he said.

“He is an accountant who has his own business and is highly regarded in the business community.”

In defence of his client, Mr Jacobson said Mr Thiel was put in a headlock by Mr Varcoe’s stepson.

After considering Mr Thiel’s age, lack of criminal history and good character, Magistrate Phillipson released him on a good behaviour order with a $900 fine and no conviction recorded.

Mr Thiel’s son Benjamine Thiel pleaded guilty to pushing Mr Varcoe in the chest, causing him to fall backwards.

“He was defending his younger brother, who is more slightly built,” Mr Jacobson said. “This all happened within a space of 40 seconds.”

Magistrate Phillipson described the force he used as “very excessive”. He was also released on a good behaviour order, with a $900 fine and no conviction recorded.

Taylor Thiel’s actions in the melee were considered the least serious because his only involvement was grabbing people in the fight. Magistrate Phillipson imposed no penalty.