Country club rage earns $3000 fine

A man who caused significant damage in an intoxicated rage at Capel Country Club after “last drinks” were called has been fined more than $3000.

Nicholas Stephen Parker, 27, of Capel, had been drinking at the club all afternoon on Wednesday before last drinks were called at 11.15pm.

After leaving the club at 11.45pm with the last remaining patrons, Parker returned a short time later but was refused entry by the bar manager who was closing up.

Parker then used a brick to smash a meter box, cutting power to the club, before using the brick to then smash a door and window.

Parker appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday after spending the night in custody at Bunbury Police Station.

The court was told, Parker had struggled with police at the club after refusing to get inside a police vehicle and once inside he continued to yell and kick his legs.

Police had to take Parker to hospital and after being treated by a doctor, he again resisted police.

When police put Parker in a cell, he continued to scream and kicked his cell door, threw toilet paper and a blanket before undressing and threatening to self-harm.

Police were forced to put Parker in a padded cell, the court was told.

Parker pleaded guilty to criminal damage, obstructing police and behaving in a disorderly manner in a police lock-up.

Defence lawyer Ntuthuko Mcingolwane said while Parker was taking anti-psychotic medication and should not have been drinking, he had consumed whiskey and tequila in a plan to get drunk.

Mr Mcingolwane said Parker had found out that day, he was going to get arrested over an unrelated incident and so made a “silly” decision to drink excessive alcohol.

Magistrate Evan Shackleton described the reasoning as “bizarre” and said Parker was “spoiling the enjoyment” of facilities like the club for everyone else.

“Everyone in the world understands the disappointment of last drinks, but you just have to take it,” Magistrate Shackleton said.

Parker was fined $3200 and ordered to pay costs.