Tourist attacks Bundy bartender

A 22-YEAR-OLD female tourist who assaulted a bartender fronted court in Bundaberg yesterday.

Sophia Priscilla Roe, 22, of Ireland, became aggressive to a female bartender at the Central Hotel after her partner was refused a drink.

She pleaded guilty in Bundaberg Magistrates Court yesterday to one charge of common assault.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said police were called to the hotel about 11.45pm on August 13 after reports of a disturbance.

Police arrived at the scene to find the slightly-built Irishwoman being restrained by security staff.

“The complainant said she refused to sell alcohol to the defendant’s partner,” Sgt Stevens said.

The court heard Roe ran at the bartender, slapped her and threw a bar utensil in her face.

She then walked behind the bar and grabbed the bartender by the hair before bystanders pulled her off.

The bartender did not receive any injuries from the attack and Sgt Stevens said the traveller had no criminal history in Australia or Ireland.

Roe’s defence said she was heavily intoxicated and did not remember much of the night.

The court was told Roe was on a working visa from Ireland and intended to return as a teacher after further studies.

Magistrate Neil Lavaring fined Roe $600 and ordered she pay the complainant $600 in compensation.

He did not record a conviction.