Medic avoids jail for assault

A GOLD Coast paramedic who punched a man multiple times to the head during a drunken attack in Surfers Paradise was suffering mental anguish after he attended the scene of a baby shaking case.

Bradley Gerard O’Neill, 34, narrowly missed jail time after pleading guilty yesterday in Southport Magistrates Court to assault occasioning bodily harm for a shocking Cavill Ave attack which left a man needing stitches.

Defence lawyer Michael Purcell said outside court O’Neill regretted his actions.

He said O’Neill was suffering from mental health issues which were sparked after he responded to a shaken baby case in July involving a twin boy who was hurt.

The court was told O’Neill was not aware the baby was a twin, and the second child was left in the home.

Magistrate Louise Shephard sentenced him to two years probation and 240 hours community service.

She did not record a conviction as doing so would place O’Neill’s job as a paramedic at risk.

“It is in the community’s interest that you be able to continue in that role,” she said.

The court was played CCTV footage of the attack recorded on Cavill Ave in the early hours of August 22 this year.

The footage showed the victim getting out of a cab and lying face down on the footpath before O’Neill came up to speak to him.

The victim got up and the pair spoke for a short time before the victim pushed O’Neill.

O’Neill can be seen to hesitate before punching the victim, following him as he tried to escape.

The punches left the victim with a cut to the face which required stitches.

Mr Purcell said O’Neill had originally approached the victim, saying he was a paramedic and offering him help before suggesting he take a taxi home.

“He replied, ‘(expletive) off, you are not my dad’,” Mr Purcell said.

Mr Purcell told the court O’Neill came back less than five minutes after the assault and offered to help the man get medical attention.

He said that when the offer was declined, O’Neill got into a nearby cab, went to the Surfers Paradise Police Station and handed himself in.

Mr Purcell said O’Neill suffered post-traumatic stress linked to two assaults he suffered on the job.

He said his job as a paramedic would be at risk if a conviction was recorded.

O’Neill has been on desk duty since the attack occurred.

“He is very embarrassed by his conduct and is happy it’s over,” Mr Purcell said.