Drinks ‘bill’ hits $25,000
A FLY-IN-FLY-OUT miner’s violent behaviour, including headbutting a bar manager, while having “a drink” at a popular Gold Coast watering hole has cost him $25,000, his defence lawyer has told a court.
Michael Fleming, 21, pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday.
The court was told he lashed out at bar manager Ian McKie, headbutting him at the House of Brews in Surfers Paradise in October 2017 after being asked to leave.
Fleming had become argumentative and struck Mr McKie in the face.
Defence lawyer Michael Gatenby, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said Fleming was out of pocket in lost earnings and travel costs to appear in court.
“It was a very expensive drink at the ale house, so far it’s cost him $25,000,” Mr Gatenby said. “He regrets his decision to become intoxicated.”
Magistrate Joan White gave Fleming a 12-month, $600 good behaviour bond and ordered him to pay $300 criminal compensation.