Threats, violence was ‘bad night out’

A SATURDAY night out at the Commercial Hotel ended in handcuffs for a Kingaroy machine operator after staff were forced to break up a fight between patrons on the street outside.

Police were called to the hotel at 12.30am on October 2, where they spotted Shane Matthew Bird shirtless and engaged in a verbal and physical altercation outside the Haly St entrance.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepe Gangemi said while police were speaking to the hotel staff, Bird stood up and attempted to continue fighting.

“He was given a number of warnings to sit down. He had to physically be restrained and handcuffed,” Sergeant Gangemi said.

“He said ‘I hope your daughter gets raped’ to the female officer present.”

Bird was taken back to the Kingaroy watchhouse, where he spent the night.

The 41-year-old was represented by defence lawyer Mark Werner, who said the charges were the result of “one bad night”.

Bird pleaded guilty in Kingaroy Magistrates Court to committing a public nuisance and obstructing police while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair ordered Bird to undertake 40 hours of community service, which must be completed in 12 months.

“It does seem like you had a bad night out, but inevitably, if you drink too much in public, that’s a risk that you take,” Mr Sinclair said.

No conviction was recorded.