Bashed in a case of mistaken identity

A DAD has been slapped with a $2000 fine after he bashed and racially abused a stranger in a bizarre case of mistaken identity.

Donald Gregory Everson, 46, pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday to one charge of assault occasioning bodily harm.

The miner from Mount Warren Park had been drinking with his nephew in Surfers Paradise in the early hours of April 24 when he lost his wallet.

He got a text t from his bank indicating his card had been used at a 7-Eleven.

Everson (pictured) and his nephew arrived arriv at the convenience store a short time later and questioned the shop attendant about who had used the card.

The staff member pointed to the victim, who was sitting in the passenger side of his vehicle in the carpark.

Everson approached the victim and started punching his face and head, the court was told.

When the victim slid over to the driver’s side seat in an attempt to escape, Everson got in the car and continued to throw punches and started racially abusing him.

The victim managed to flee the vehicle and suffered bruising and grazes.

Everson’s lawyer Dave Garratt, of Howden Saggers Lawyers, said it was later determined the victim did not steal the wallet or bank card.

Mr Garratt said his client had suffered personal hardship in the months leading up to the incident and had written a letter of apology to the victim.

“He’s extremely embarrassed and remorseful about coming before the court.”

Magistrate Mark Howden took into account a lack of criminal history and a guilty plea. He was fined $2000 and ordered to pay $500 compensation to his victim. No conviction was recorded.