Community service for punching barman

A CHARITY worker says he feels “sick to my core” for punching a barman and throwing a glass at him when denied alcohol while playing the pokies.

Lewis Marley Kettle was ordered to perform community service and pay $2000 compensation to his victim, who told police he suffered PTSD after the attack.

Kettle pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.

He had been drinking in the gaming bar of the Dublin Docks Tavern, Biggera Waters, about 11.15pm in November last year when a security guard reported Kettle stumbling to a barman.

When Kettle approached the barman for more alcohol, he was refused and handed two glasses of water.

The 26-year-old reached over the bar and punched the barman in the jaw with a closed fist, causing him to stumble backwards, the court was told.

The charity worker then threw a glass of water – which missed – and kicked and shook the bar door, the court was told.

The victim yelled for security, who removed Kettle from the venue.

The barman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital and suffered minor soft tissue swelling to his jaw.

He has not returned to work and told police he was suffering from

PTSD.

Kettle’s lawyer Michael McMillan said his client was remorseful and had written a letter of apology to the victim. It read in part: “The fact that my actions and lack of clear judgment that day have left you physically wounded and hurt has sickened me to my core.”

Magistrate Janice Crawford ordered Kettle to perform 160 hours’ unpaid community service and pay $2000 compensation to the victim.

No conviction was recorded.