An Albion Park disability pensioner has been refused bail over accusations he fractured a man’s eye socket during a brief yet vicious brawl inside the Shellharbour Club last month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jaye Pearson, 24, was at the club with a friend on September 28 when the pair began “annoying and bothering” a table of four males.
Court documents allege Pearson’s friend repeatedly tapped each of the men on the head or back while talking to them over a 10-minute period.
At various times the man also shook his finger at individuals in the group and repeatedly tried to shake their hands, despite their refusal.
The tension between the two groups escalated to a point where Pearson allegedly jabbed one of the rival group in the shoulder then pushed him in the chest.
Pearson’s friend then punched the same man in the face, sparking an all-in brawl, police said.
It is alleged Pearson punched the 19-year-old victim up to six times in the face during the 30-second melee.
Both groups then went their separate ways, however the victim went to Shellharbour Hospital early the next morning, where it was discovered his left eye socket was fractured and would require surgery.
Pearson was arrested on Sunday following a police investigation and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
In court on Monday, Legal Aid lawyer Stewart Holt said Pearson had an intellectual disability and suffered from anxiety and depression.
He said Pearson would abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court, however Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused Pearson’s release application on account of his “terrible” criminal record.
The case will return to court on December 20.