Fined over street assault

A 19- YEAR- OLD man who watched as his mates took part in a violent street assault in which two men were stabbed has been convicted and fined for his part in the affray.

Geelong court was told Brendan Sword and his friends had been drinking at the National Hotel for five hours in the lead-up to the street a s s a u l t a t 3am on December 11, 2011.

Sword, of Homestead Dve, St Albans Park, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to a single charge of affray.

Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kylie Jane said that on December 10 last year, Sword and several associates were drinking at the National Hotel at 10pm.

She said that about 3am Sword saw one of his associates arguing with a man in the street.

‘‘A fight broke out between the two and others from Sword’s group joined in and began punching and kicking the man,’’ she said.

‘‘A second man, who came out to assist security staff, was also set upon by the mob.’’

Sen- Constable Jane said both victims suffered stab wounds to their backs.

Caitlyn Wells-Simon, for Sword, said her client had no priors and CCTV footage showed him rush towards the group, disappear for two or three seconds, then return and walk away.

She said Sword backed away when he realised things were out of hand.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said she accepted Sword was a young offender and that while he may have made no contact with either victim, being part of it made him just as guilty.

Sword was convicted and fined $1000.