A 26-year-old man has been fined $1000 for his role in a violent brawl that caused extensive damage to a Dawesville kebab shop and forced its temporary closure.
Guilty plea in court
Quade Jerard Broughton pleaded guilty at Mandurah Magistrates Court last Tuesday to one count of criminal damage and one count of fighting in a public place causing fear. The charges stem from an incident on May 15 at Kebab Kings on Old Coast Road.
Police prosecutor First Class Constable Kat Anderson told the court that the brawl resulted in $15,000 worth of damage to the business, including broken chairs, walls, windows, signs, and equipment. CCTV footage captured Broughton throwing a chair and a punch during the altercation.
The kebab shop, which had only opened four weeks prior, was forced to close for three days following the incident due to the extent of the damage.
Background to the brawl
Duty lawyer Claire Hay explained that Broughton initially walked away from the conflict when his brother became involved in an argument with a group of young men. The brothers had been working at home and went out for lunch, first ordering at another store before heading to Kebab Kings. When Broughton came out, he saw the other group arguing with his brother in the car park, with the group reportedly wanting to fight.
Broughton and his brother left to pick up their lunch but were followed by the group. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation inside the store, where Broughton threw a chair. As the fight spilled out onto the street, he threw a punch.
Court outcome
Magistrate Clare Cullen acknowledged that Broughton had done the right thing by initially walking away but cautioned that a single punch could have fatal consequences. She imposed a fine of $1000 and ordered him to pay $160 in costs.
Ms Hay requested a spent conviction for Broughton, who works as a trade assistant and requires a police clearance for employment at gold mines. The magistrate granted the request, noting his young age and lack of prior convictions.
Other accused
Zachary Ryan Sullivan, 19, also appeared in court on Tuesday in relation to the brawl. He pleaded not guilty to charges of fighting in public to cause fear, criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and stealing.
Clinton Rodney Hansen, another co-accused, appeared earlier this month on charges of fighting in public to cause fear and criminal damage but has not yet entered a plea.
Additionally, three juveniles—aged 17, 16, and 15—are facing similar charges in the Perth Children's Court in connection with the incident.
