Mandurah: Andrew McCluskie fined after being found guilty of October assault

A MANDURAH man was fined $2500 for punching another man twice at Mandurah’s nightclub precinct in October.

Andrew John McCluskie initially pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and was found guilty following a trial.

The police prosecutor told the court today that at 9pm on October 19 McCluskie approached the victim.

McCluskie told the 19-year-old victim, “I’ll knock you out” and grabbed him by the shirt.

He punched the victim on the left side of his face, forcing the man to fall back on his feet.

McCluskie told him, “you’re going to cop a hiding for your mate” and then punched him to the left side of his head again.

The victim fell to the ground unconscious.

He was taken to hospital and received treatment on his teeth.

McCluskie’s counsel told the court that he had a head injury on the night he attacked the 19-year-old.

“Mr McCluskie was found unconscious by police on the ground later that evening,” she said.

“He had been out celebrating his birthday and he got serious head injuries himself.”

Police do not know who caused Mr McCluskie’s injuries.

This was McCluskie’s second conviction for assault occasioning bodily harm.

He took part in the pre-sentence opportunity program and counselling for binge drinking.

Magistrate Vivien Edwards fined McCluskie $2500, which she ordered to be paid to the victim.