Wedding brawler has ‘ anger disorder’

FORMER NRL bad boy and ex- bikie Anthony Watts claimed he was suffering an “explosive anger disorder” when he repeatedly kneed and kicked a man at a wedding.

His lawyer said the attack started because Watts believed the victim had been talking about him.

Watts pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair sentenced him to three months prison, to be suspended for two years.

“The attack can be described as unprovoked and even gratuitous,” Mr Sinclair said.

“The victim, given your size, was able to escape with relatively minor bruising.”

Watts was also ordered to pay $ 5000 in compensation.

Police prosecutor Bob Falconer told the court Watts and Michael Crosby were both guests at a wedding in Mudgeeraba on August 19, 2016.

Mr Crosby was looking for the maid of honour about 8.30pm.

“A witness heard a female scream,” Mr Falconer said.

“The witness saw the defendant continually kneeing the victim to the chest, abdomen and head area.”

Mr Falconer said Mr Crosby was taken to Robina Hospital with severe lacerations.

Watts had attended the wedding with his girlfriend, who was a member of the bridal party.

Outside of court, lawyer Campbell MacCallum said Watts was later diagnosed with an explosive anger disorder.

Watts played for Cronulla, North Queensland and the Sydney Roosters before turning his back on his NRL career.