Beach attack: two men face court after night out in Bunbury

Two South West men have faced court over an alleged brutal beach bashing at a popular tourist hotspot in the early hours of Sunday morning, after a night-long bender in one of Bunbury’s late-night watering holes. Police allege the two men and the alleged victim had been involved in an incident at Fitzgerald’s Irish Bar just prior to the alleged attack. Brian James Hart, 46, and Micheal Leslie Lindner, 31, each faced a single count of aggravated robbery when the two Bunbury men appeared in custody at Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday, where they were granted bail. Between 5.45am and 5.55am on January 29, the pair allegedly beat up and stole property from another man at Wyalup Rocky Point. Police alleged the pair approached the alleged victim on the stairs, with Mr Lindner then allegedly punching the man to his left eye while Mr Hart allegedly struck the man’s chest, causing him to lift up and fall backwards. Knocking the man on to the sand, it was further alleged Mr Hart stood on top of the alleged victim, who held his legs up in defence, while Mr Lindner allegedly ransacked the man for his phone, allegedly stealing an unknown amount of cash that was stored inside the phone case before leaving the area. The alleged victim reported the incident to police who arrested the pair the next day. During an interview with officers, Mr Hart told police “nothing actually happened”. Duty counsel told the court the pair had been at the beach to check the morning’s fishing conditions, however the prosecution alleged that both men and their alleged victim had been involved in an altercation at Fitzgerald’s Irish Bar in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is understood the alleged victim is known to Mr Lindner, while Mr Hart has only met him on a couple of occasions. While neither of the accused have entered pleas to their charges, Mr Lindner’s lawyer told the court he “strongly disputes” the allegations. Magistrate Benjamin Tyers granted each man bail with $5000 surety with requirements to report to Bunbury Police Station once a week and not to approach or contact the alleged victim by any means. While he did not address Mr Hart, Magistrate Tyers said Mr Lindner’s past record was of “considerable concern” and he “generally did not abide by the law”. The matter is set to move to the District Court, where the men will reappear in March.