Timber cutter’s violent attack

A MURGON timber cutter narrowly avoided jail time after a night out at the Wondai Hotel turned ugly, with a bartender left with a broken nose and officers spattered in blood.

Brodie Lain Wilson, 24, and his partner were having drinks at the bar on March 3 when Wilson was approached by another man he had previously “had words with”.

Defence lawyer Mark Werner said his client, who was intoxicated at the time, became agitated when the other man put his arm around Wilson’s partner before walking away and “shooting looks” and “smirking” at him.

Mr Werner said a bartender heard Wilson say “if he does that again I’ll give him a thumping”, before accusing the barman of trying to “stir things up”.

The court heard the bartender told Wilson he was “cut off”, prompting him to finish his drink and throw the glass at the staffer. Wilson then punched the bartender in the face, breaking his nose.

The 24-year-old was kicked out of the pub and as the owner attempted to close the door on him Wilson punched him in the face.

The court was told police attended and spoke to Wilson for 20 minutes, who flicked blood on their faces and clothes as he flailed his arms around recounting the events.

The barman suffered a concussion and broken nose, and the owner suffered cuts and bruising, police prosecutor Barry Stevens said.

Wilson pleaded guilty in Murgon Magistrates Court to two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, serious assault of a police officer and wilful damage.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail but released on immediate parole. He was also ordered to complete 160 hours of community service.