Jail for ‘cruel’ hostel attack

Dog killer slashes man’s face, assaults police officer at watch house

A man slashed another man’s face outside a Gold Coast hostel in a chilling attack amid an appalling spree of violence – including fatally stabbing his brother’s dog.

Lewis Taylor used an unknown sharp implement to slice a gash across his 30-yearold victim’s face near the Backpackers in Paradise hostel late on September 5, 2022.

Southport District Court was told Taylor’s victim had confronted him about a racist comment made towards another resident at the Surfers Paradise hostel earlier that day, though the pair were seen speaking civilly before the attack.

His victim suffered severe disfigurement, with a 10cm wound cutting through parts of the muscle and cartilage across his cheek and nose, requiring surgery and 20 stitches to close.

Taylor was arrested at the hostel the same night, telling police he did not recall the altercation.

The 25-year-old was still in custody at the watch house days later when he launched himself at a police officer in his cell, swinging at him with a wooden fork in his hand before punching and scratching him during the ensuing struggle.

His second victim was taken off regular duties for 20 days after the assault, which left him with bruising and scratches on his chest.

Victim impact statements from both of Taylor’s targets were tendered in court, revealing the officer was afraid he would be seriously injured in the incident, which contributed to his subsequent resignation from the Queensland Police Service.

The court was told the slashing victim now hated his own appearance and considered himself “scarred for life”, living in fear of being attacked as flashbacks plagued his sleep.

It was heard that Taylor was at the time under a community corrections order handed down after he stabbed and killed his brother’s dog, burying it on the family property.

He pretended to help look for the missing pet for hours before its body was discovered and swung a baseball bat at his sibling when he was confronted, the court was told.

Taylor was also previously sentenced in a NSW court for assaulting two cyclists in a fit of road rage.

Defence barrister Tristan Carlos said it was clear his client required ongoing treatment, with a psychological report indicating he struggled to regulate and express emotions, among other concerns.

Mr Carlos said Taylor had used the 557 days already spent behind bars to complete programs and begin addressing his past substance use.

Chief Judge Brian Devereaux said while Taylor was young and working for a chance at a constructive life, his offending – particularly the “cruel” slashing – was “remarkably serious”.

“(Your victim) is still tormented by you and by the event – his memories of you being vicious with an inhumanly amount of aggression and anger,” Judge Devereaux said.

Taylor pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and serious assault causing bodily harm.

He was sentenced to six years’ jail with parole eligibility from September 5, 2025.