‘ Mates’ for party security
A TOWNSVILLE teen on trial for organising an out- of- control party has told court he delegated the role of security to 10 of his mates, because that’s what good leaders do.
Markino Lawrence Carbajal, 18, gave evidence in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday during day two of his trial where he said he had organised parties before and knew to register events with Queensland Police.
Carbajal said he only invited 40 people through private invites on Facebook but more than 100 turned up.
“It wasn’t the first party I’ve organised,” Carbajal said.
“I asked 10 of my friends to act as security,” he said. “A good leader will delegate.”
Carbajal became the first person to be charged under Queensland’s new party laws after he held a surprise party for a 16- year- old friend in Gulliver on March 15, 2014.
More than 100 youths turned up before they spilt on to the streets and started brawling, damaging property and smashing glass bottles.
Defence barrister Scott Geeves said his client took reasonable steps to try and stop the party getting out of control, which can be a legal defence under the legislation.
“In all the circumstances he did end the event as soon as possible after people not invited entered where the party was taking place,” he said. “The measures which Mr Carbajal put in place at the age of 17, such as registering the party, are very responsible.”
Gatecrashers began turning up to the party about 9.30pm and Carbajal said he asked people to leave at 10.10pm.
At 11pm police were called and an officer had a can of bourbon thrown at her which hit her on the neck.
During cross- examination by police prosecutor Sergeant John Moran, Carbajal said professional security guards were not organised.
“We didn’t hire any security,” he said.
“It was just a celebration birthday, it was nothing big.”
Sgt Moran said police were concerned about the party when they arrived while on patrols about 10pm.
“Police went there, they had concerns,” he said.
“There was no proper control exerted at this party.
“It rolled on and turned into a mess.”
Carbajal smiled as he left court, telling the Townsville Bulletin he didn’t regret organising the party.
The trial was adjourned after closing submissions were completed yesterday.
A verdict is expected to be handed down by Magistrate Steven Mosch on July 8.