Violent attack on Coles staffer

A man who bashed a staff member in the dock area of a supermarket on the Gold Coast has claimed he was “pretty hurt" himself when he realised his victim was a former schoolmate.

Southport Magistrates Court was told an intoxicated Evan Joel Roberts made his way into the staff-only area of Coles Mudgeeraba after 5pm on April 12.

CCTV footage played in court showed the 20-year-old trying to steal a box of Nescafe coffee before being confronted by a nearby employee.

Roberts swung a punch into the other man’s head, then landed two knee strikes to his torso and head before fleeing through a large roller door.

Prosecutor Aylish Robertson said Roberts returned as the Coles staffer was trying to close the roller door behind him, punching him another three times in the head with “wild, haymaker-style” blows.

She said Roberts again fled when his victim grabbed a metal pole to defend himself.

The Coles employee was taken to Robina Hospital with minor facial injuries.

Ms Robertson said Roberts had no past convictions for violence and came clean to police.

A self-represented Roberts told the court he was extremely intoxicated at the time, turning to alcohol to cope with a series of mental health and relationship issues.

He said he had stopped drinking since the assault and was seeking ongoing treatment for his mental health diagnoses, including a personality disorder and ADHD.

“I am really sorry about the whole offence,” Roberts said.

“When I found out who it was, it hurt me a bit more, because I did have a connection with him throughout high school.

“They were pretty nice to me, you know, so when I found out I was pretty hurt.”

Roberts pleaded guilty to one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, attempted stealing, and failing to appear.

He was placed on probation for six months and no conviction was recorded.