‘No need’ for street beating

A FITNESS student repeatedly punched a man in the head, putting him in hospital and on crutches, in a violent incident on a Gold Coast street late at night.

D’Andre Michael Waterreus pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court yesterday to robbery with violence in the attack on August 30 last year.

“I want to apologise for acting in such a manner which I shouldn’t have,” Waterreus said after his guilty plea.

Judge Katherine McGinness placed the 19-year-old on probation for two years.

“I consider this to be a serious offence of protracted violence on your behalf,” she said.

Crown prosecutor Amelia Baker-Smith said Waterreus was with two friends in Olsen Ave, Southport, when they were approached by a man, 48.

The man asked for drugs and then began to pat down one of Waterreus’s friends. The group told the man they did not have any drugs and to go away.

Ms Baker-Smith said the man attempted to run but Waterreus chased him and punched him numerous times. He then took the man’s phone.

Waterreus’s attack continued until the man was lying on the road and only stopped when occupants of a passing car called police.

The man was left with cuts and bruises. He spent a night in hospital and left on crutches.

“Although the complainant was hassling the defendant, it didn’t warrant that reaction,” Ms Baker-Smith said.

Defence barrister Nick McGhee, instructed by 888 Law, said the robbery was not planned and had been in reaction to the man’s behaviour.

“He was not out looking to rob someone,” he said, adding Waterreus was remorseful and hoped to do a TAFE course and work in fitness.