Prison term for punching man laying on ground

A GOLD Coast magistrate says a Sydney waterproofer’s decision to punch a man in the face as he lay motionless on the ground in Surfers Paradise was “un-Australian”.

Magistrate Brian Kucks sentenced Mete Kaan Denkgelen to 12 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and disobeying a police banning notice.

The court heard Denkgelen, 25, shoved a man from behind causing him to fall to the ground in Surfers at 3.26am on January 4.

CCTV played in court showed Denkgelen stand over the man, who did not react to the push, and punch him in the left side of the face.

Denkgelen took a few steps away from the man before running away.

Defence lawyer Demi Quadrio, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said Denkgelen misconstrued a conversation his friend had with the victim.

She said alcohol was also a contributing factor.

Mr Kucks condemned Denkgelen’s actions.

“While he is down on his back you deliver one punch, take a few steps away before running off,” Mr Kucks said. “There’s nothing more un-Australian than punching someone while they’re down.”

Mr Kucks sentenced Denkgelen to 12 months in prison with a parole release date after September 17 for the assault charge. A conviction was recorded.