‘Disgusting’ drunken strike

Man given suspended sentence

A DRUNKEN attack in which a man was repeatedly punched in Toowoomba’s CBD has landed a 20-year-old with a six-month suspended jail sentence.

David John Elara was heavily intoxicated when he repeatedly punched a man near the intersection of Ruthven and Russell Sts, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head.

Alcohol-fuelled violence has been at the forefront of recent media attention, with much discussion about how to curb attacks in and around night spots.

Prosecutor Greg McIntyre detailed Elara’s alcohol-fuelled attack after he pleaded guilty on Thursday in Toowoomba Magistrates Court to assault occasioning bodily harm and trespassing on a railway.

CCTV showed the victim leaving Agenda Nite Club about 5am on December 30 last year.

Vision showed Elara also leaving a short time later and walking down Russell St towards Ruthven St.

“The footage depicts Mr Elara speaking to a group of females leaving the nightclub,” Mr McIntyre said.

The court heard Elara and his victim spoke for a short time before the victim continued walking towards Ruthven St.

Mr McIntyre said Elara punched the man twice causing him to fall to the ground.

As the victim was rising to his feet, Elara struck him in the face, causing him to hit the back of his head on the ground when he fell.

Elara then ran through the Rumours International car park and into Queensland Rail property. He was arrested a short time later. Defence solicitor Bard Skuse said his client, originally from Papua New Guinea, could recall a racist comment being made.

However, he could not confirm what was said or who said it.

Mr Skuse said Elara had since attended a psychology clinic for regular sessions on addressing issues with alcohol.

Magistrate Bruce Schemioneck described Elara’s attack as “disgusting”.

“This particular person could have been killed as a result of your client,” Mr Schemioneck said to Mr Skuse.

Elara was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.