Arabic version: رفض الإفراج بكفالة عن متهم بالاعتداء في حانة بغولد كوست

According to ABC News, Haami Makiroa Burns Prescott, 27, has been refused bail after being charged over an alleged assault at a Gold Coast pub that left Ross Burckhardt, 36, in a critical condition in hospital. Mr Burckhardt’s family says he remains in an induced coma.

Police allege Mr Prescott approached Mr Burckhardt in the car park of the Coomera Boathouse Tavern at about 1am on Sunday and punched him in the face. Mr Burckhardt allegedly fell and suffered serious head injuries before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital. Police also allege Mr Prescott left the scene in a rideshare vehicle. He was arrested at Ormeau on Monday and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.

At a Southport Magistrates Court bail application on Wednesday, solicitor Torik Dib said his client had intended to surrender on Tuesday after receiving legal advice, but was arrested the previous day. Mr Dib submitted that Mr Prescott had acted in self-defence of another patron, telling the court the complainant had a pool cue and had been arguing with a security guard while leaving the venue.

Police prosecutor Ricky Tsoi opposed bail, saying CCTV recorded the alleged incident and witnesses had failed to identify mitigating circumstances in relation to the defendant’s actions. The court heard Mr Prescott has a criminal history in New South Wales and is subject to a two-year community corrections order from Newcastle that expires on December 28, 2027. Acting Magistrate Gary Finger refused bail, finding Mr Prescott was an “unacceptable risk of reoffending”. He was remanded in custody and the matter will return to court on September 1.

Mr Burckhardt’s brother, Paul Burckhardt, said the family was “devastated”. He said Ross Burckhardt, a disability support worker, had dedicated his career to helping others and remained in intensive care. While his condition had stayed stable, Paul Burckhardt said there was significant swelling on his brother’s brain and it was too early to know the full extent of the injuries or the recovery ahead.