Wet and going wild
Father-of-two’s theme park tanty
A YOUNG father picked up a metal post and told security guards at Wet’n’Wild he was “going to smash” them after being told an attraction at the popular theme park was closed, a court has been told.
Christopher Hammant, 20, pleaded guilty to common assault and contravention of a direction or requirement of police when he appeared at Southport Magistrates Court yesterday following an incident in November 2017.
Hammant paid $29 online for a ticket so he could try the new buggy adventure ride at the park.
But he became unhappy when he was told the attraction was unavailable on the day he visited.
Hammant demanded a refund for the $29 and security was called.
Hammant picked up a one-metre metal bar usually used for guiding guests when security arrived and told them “I’m going to smash you, I want my money back,” the police prosecutor said.
The court was told security tackled Hammant to the ground and called police.
When police arrived Hammant refused to give them his name and address.
Asked why, Hammant had told police: “I just don’t want to.”
The court was told Hammant however gave his name soon after being put in the back of a police vehicle.
Defence lawyer Bruce Affleck, of Affleck Lawton Lawyers, told the court Hammant did not strike anyone with the post.
“He felt he was getting the run around. He became very upset with the treatment that day,” Mr Affleck said. “(Because) of his relatively small stature he felt intimidated by security staff.
“He admits he’s not the best communicator.”
Mr Affleck urged the court to give his client, who was on a carer’s pension and had two young children, a fine. Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan took into consideration that Hammant was young and had no prior criminal history.
Hammant was given a $450 six-month good behaviour bond.