Political discussion in pub leads to assault and fine
A Mount Julian man who slapped MP Jason Costigan at the Hotel Metropole in September has had his charge downgraded from common assault to being a public nuisance, with Magistrate James Morton labelling the original charge "a bit of an overkill".
The initial charge against Gordon Trevor Hopes was common assault, following the 18 September incident.
Proserpine Magistrates Court heard that at 7.15pm on that evening, Mr Costigan was dining at Hotel Metropole when he was approached by Hopes and "engaged in a political conversation".
The discussion became heated, when the bar manager intervened and told Mr Hopes to move away from Mr Costigan.
Prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors told the court as Hopes was leaving the venue he walked past Mr Costigan, "(Hopes) then used an open right hand to slap Mr Costigan on the lower right hand side of his back causing him to jump in shock," Sergeant Myors said.
She added that Hopes "said words to the effect of see you later you f***ing paedophile".
On Monday Hopes pleaded guilty to the charge of being a public nuisance.
Defence solicitor Elizabeth Smith told the court a different version of events claiming that her client and Mr Costigan had previously met and had discussions.
While at the bar, he noticed the MP.
"They had a spirited discussion about politics," Ms Smith said.
"I'm instructed it was quite short. He, on his way out, slapped him on the back and said see ya later."
"See ya later paedophile … f***ing paedophile," Mr Morton added.
According to Ms Smith, Hopes had no idea there was an issue until the police turned up at his home the next day.
Hopes was fined $200 and a conviction was not recorded.
Irit Jackson, 24th November 2020
