‘Petty’ fight about bike on balcony ends in broken nose … and assault fine

A CYBER security expert broke his building manager’s nose when a “petty” argument about a bike on a balcony ended in blows.

Online security whiz Alan Mihalic also threatened to burn the unit during a heated exchange.

But the court heard the building manager was first to lash out physically during the confrontation.

The 58-year-old pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to assault occasioning bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Reece Foort told the court a building manager at a Surfers Paradise complex on November 9 had contacted Mihalic after noting he was leaving a bicycle on the balcony.

The pair went into the office where a verbal argument broke out and Mihalic pointed his finger at the man.

Sgt Foort said the man, feeling threatened, slapped Mihalic’s hand.

The fight escalated to the point Mihalic was behind the man punching him.

The man was left with a broken nose and bruising and swelling to the face.

Magistrate Kerry Magee fined Mihalic $1000 and ordered he pay $500 in compensation.

“I must admit it seems pretty petty to say you cannot have a bike on a balcony.”

Magistrate Magee said no matter how “petty” the rules, any grievances should be done through the correct avenues and not violence.

She said she took into account that the other man struck out first.

Mihalic’s lawyer Lucy Ferguson, of Clarity Law, said Mihalic was extremely remorseful.

“There was ongoing issues with the man for about eight to 10 weeks which has caused the bubble up,” she said.

Ms Ferguson said Mihalic lived away from his wife and children to work on the Gold Coast in cyber security. No conviction was recorded.