Bashing ends brothers’ bond

A BROTHERLY bond has been broken by a bashing which erupted in response to an offensive phone call.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court yesterday heard Steven John Litfin was disappointed he had not been able to reconcile with his younger brother since breaking his nose in a New Year’s Eve fight.

Litfin, 41, admitted using excessive force when responding to lewd comments made about his long-term partner by his 39-year-old brother.

Defence lawyer Troy Krahenbring said the men had been working on a boat when the victim, who he said had been drinking, made lewd and inappropriate comments about his client’s partner.

Mr Krahenbring said the victim went home, but called his client about 8.30pm to continue the offensive remarks.

He said it was then Litfin went to his younger brother’s house, where the bashing occurred.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Costa said Litfin punched his brother four or five times.

There was a short break before he again punched his brother another four or five times.

Sgt Costa said the victim’s injuries included a broken nose, swollen and bruised eyes and red eyeballs due to burst capillaries.

Mr Krahenbring said it was the first time there had been any physical force between the siblings.

He said they had been quite close before the incident.

“They haven’t seen each other since.”

Magistrate Damian Carroll said Litfin had used disproportionate force in the attack.

“I accept that what he said to you must have been offensive and hurtful,” Mr Carroll said.

He fined Litfin $2250 and ordered he pay his brother $171.60 for the loss of a day’s wages.