A neighbourly dispute over noise quickly turned violent when a man punched two partygoers in the unit next door, snapping one man's tooth, a court has heard.
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Rhys Wayne Olbrich struck one victim in the mouth before punching another in the nose, less than an hour after he warned his next-door neighbours to keep the noise down.
The 22-year-old, who pleaded guilty to the attack in Wollongong Local Court yesterday, had been living in the Northgate complex in Fairy Meadow on June 20 when the fight broke out.
The victims and their mates had just completed their university exams and were having a get-together, listening to music and playing video games, when Olbrich banged loudly on their door about 8pm.
One of the victims opened the door and found Olbrich standing there, appearing angry, before he yelled: "Keep the noise down, I have to work tomorrow, you f---ing c---s," the court heard.
The victim replied: "There's no need to swear, we'll turn the music down," as Olbrich returned to his unit.
About 30 minutes later, the victims heard Olbrich yelling and knocking on the door.
One of the men opened the door and Olbrich began hurling abuse as the victim tried to calm him down.
Olbrich continued banging on the front door until one of the victims opened it again, stating: "We can sort this out."
The court heard Olbrich replied: "You wanna fight now?" and then punched the man in the mouth.
The victim attempted to protect himself by punching back at Olbrich as the fight moved into the corridor.
Olbrich then grabbed another victim's shirt and punched him in the nose.
The men managed to free themselves and return to their unit.
Olbrich quickly retreated to his apartment before leaving the area.
He pleaded guilty to one count of affray yesterday.
The matter was adjourned for sentence next year.