The melee occurred at the Darlington Point Sports Club. Photo: Darlington Point Sports Club Facebook.
A Darlington Point man who got into a physical fight with another man after objecting to him allowing his four-year-old niece to play the pokies has escaped a conviction.
Thomas Neville Roche, 67, pled guilty to the charge of affray at Griffith Local Court on Wednesday (30 July). Magistrate Pauline Wright handed him a six-month good behaviour bond, but a conviction was not recorded against his name.
According to court documents, Mr Roche was playing the pokies at Darlington Point Sports Club at 7 pm on 2 June when he noticed a 20-year-old man bring his 4-year-old niece into the gaming area. A police report stated that the younger man allowed his niece to play the poker machines under his supervision.
Mr Roche took offence at the sight of the little girl playing the pokies and the two men got into an argument that lasted several minutes. The 20-year-old initially left the gaming room, but then returned with his finger pointed at Mr Roche.
Mr Roche walked towards the 20-year-old, lunging at him, leading with his right shoulder, making contact with his head and neck, causing him to go backwards. The younger man allegedly retaliated by punching Mr Roche in the head several times and kneeing him in the ribs.
The 20-year-old’s mother then entered the gaming room to break up the fight, at which point Mr Roche sought medical assistance for cuts to his hand and bruises to his face. The younger man was also charged for his part in the melee.
Magistrate Wright told Mr Roche he had every right to say something when he saw the four-year-old play the pokies, but that he should not have pushed the other man.
Mr Roche, who represented himself in court, was remorseful for his actions and accepted that he shouldn’t have resorted to violence.
The magistrate also noted his good record.
Under Mr Roche’s good behaviour bond, he is not to commit any offence and must appear in court at any time he is asked to do so before 29 January 2026.
Makes my blood boil... every community that has a domestic violence problem (or not) should be given… View