CHRIS THOMSON

A man who knocked out a smaller rival who was dancing with his ex-girlfriend will remain barred from pubs and clubs despite objections he will miss out on Christmas socialising.

On July 14, George Mark Lewer punched a man at The Red Sea nightclub in Subiaco, causing him to fall backwards and black out.

The victim was dancing with Lewer’s ex girlfriend.

A decision handed down last week by Liquor Commission member Greg Joyce noted the victim was smaller than Lewer, received stitches to his mouth and has since suffered headaches.

On October 10, Lewer pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm. He received a spent conviction and was slapped with a $2000 fine, $1500 of which was payable to the victim.

On September 11, Lewer had been banned from entering pubs and clubs until February 29 next year.

In his appeal of that barring notice before Mr Joyce, Lewer claimed the ban was particularly onerous during the Christmas period.

However, police respondent Leanne Atkins argued an assertion by Lewer that he was provoked when the victim smirked at him did not make the attack any less serious.

Ms Atkins also asserted that Lewer’s rights to socialise at Christmas did not outweigh the need to protect the public from violent and disorderly conduct.

Mr Joyce determined there was nothing to suggest Lewer was over the relationship with his ex.

He found there was some risk Lewer could reoffend if confronted with a similar situation.

Consequently, the appeal was dismissed.