Two men sentenced after vicious Gladstone pub attack
Two men have been sentenced following the brutal attack of two lone pub staff - one a woman - at the Tannum Sands Hotel on August 28.
Bricklayers Zachary John Patrick Stringer, 24, and Rhys Paul Finco, 33 terrorised the two staff members in a “protracted” 18-minute late-night attack, the Gladstone court heard.
The men were drinking in the gaming area, when at around 10pm, they were told by the female bar attendant that they were not permitted to take their drinks into the smoking area.
Stringer and Finco, who were the only patrons left in the venue, ignored the request.
When the attendant told her work colleague, he also attempted to ask the two men to remove their drinks from the area.
A short time later the bar attendant refused to serve Stringer because of his level of intoxication.
An argument ensued and the men were asked to leave.
The Magistrate Court heard that Finco got up off his seat and said: “We’re not going to have this problem again are we?”
The male staffer told the pair they could finish their drinks in an attempt to defuse the situation.
The court heard Stringer started making animal noises and counting down from 3. The male staffer then told them he would call the police, but became alarmed when Stringer put his hand in his pocket thinking he may have a weapon.
When Stringer moved towards him, he tackled him to the floor and searched his pockets. Finco then started to push the staff member.
Stringer regained his feet and punched the staff member in the face and Finco began to shove him.
The female staff member came to her workmate’s aid, but was pushed away.
Stringer and Finco continued to punch the male worker to the head and the body.
The former using a sharp Keno pencil between his fingers for maximum impact.
He also used the tactic against the female staff member before punching her in the face with a closed fist.
He also smashed electronic equipment to a point beyond repair.
The violence continued until the staff members retreated to the kitchen for refuge. However, the two men smashed glass and beat against the door to try to get in.
The pub staff weren’t safe until they made it to the backroom and locked the door. They watched the two men on the monitors grab knives, with Stringer rubbing the knives together.
When Stringer and Finco were reminded the police were coming they left the venue.
Stringer pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm while armed/in company, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed/in company in a public place while intoxicated, entering premises and commit indictable offence, and failing to leave a licensed premises.
Finco pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm while armed/in company in a public place while intoxicated, common assault in a public place while intoxicated, entering premises and commit indictable offence, and failing to leave a licensed premises.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Griffiths said “There were numerous opportunities for the defendants to leave, yet they chose to stay and persist with their disgraceful behaviour.”
In Stringer’s defence Solicitor Jun Pepito said his client was ashamed of his actions and had written an apology.
Rio Ramos, representing Finco said alcohol was a problem for his client and was also embarrassed by his behaviour.
Both men were sentenced by Magistrate Mary Buchanan.
Stringer was sentenced to 12 months’ jail with immediate parole release and ordered he perform 40 hours of unpaid community service. He was fined $300, and ordered to pay $1000 compensation as well as $5097 restitution.
Finco was sentenced to 12 months’ jail with immediate parole release and ordered he perform 80 hours of unpaid community service. He was also fined $300 and ordered to pay $750 compensation as well as $943 restitution.
Convictions were recorded, shattering both men’s clean records.
Jonathan Jackson, 28th November 2023
