A PUB patron who threw an ottoman cushion off the second level onto a dance floor in a nightclub, causing a deep head laceration, has been fined $2500.
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Andrew Gould, 26, Bree Road, Hamilton, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to recklessly causing injury and discharging a missile.
Police said that on June 24 Gould had been to a football club function before going to a Hamilton hotel and then the Attic Nightclub about 1am.
Gould had consumed 17 drinks including beer and spirits.
At 2.20am he threw a large brown ottoman from the second floor onto the dance floor which struck a man and caused a deep laceration to the top of his head.
Gould admitted he threw it and was escorted from the nightclub.
The victim was bleeding heavily, said he had no idea what happened, suffered a five to six centimetre cut and required six stitches to the left side of his forehead.
When interviewed Gould said he launched the ottoman over the edge, was "just showing off" and "honestly, I didn't know it hit anyone".
He admitted prior court appearances, including assaulting police, which were also linked to alcohol consumption and defence counsel Alex McCulloch said his client had been binge drinking at the time of the latest offending.
Magistrate Cynthia Toose said it was very apparent what Gould's problem was - alcohol.
She said Gould had drank far too much and things got out of control, which led to the victim suffering a deep and "unpleasant" laceration.
The magistrate said any head injury could be fatal and the victim had obviously been distressed.
As well as being convicted and fined, Gould was banned from licensed premises in Victoria for two years.
The magistrate made an exemption that Gould could play football in the South West league but not consume alcohol at any club venue.
