A 32-year-old Port Macquarie man pleaded guilty to affray when he fronted Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday September 11.
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Kurt Moloney, of Mort Street, appeared before Magistrate Price.
The incident took place around 1.30am at a licensed premises on Bay Street on July 27.
Moloney admitted to punching the victim but his solicitor, Tony Cox, clarified court documents regarding a headbutt.
"My client admits to punching but in terms of the headbutt, my client says he and the victim were forehead to forehead," Mr Cox said.
"He did not take a step back (and perform a headbutt).
"Also, my client was not involved in throwing any glass.
"He is of good character, and is involved with the Sharks (Rugby League Football Club) and is well-respected within that club.
"He has never been in trouble before," he said.
Mr Cox said the matter was out of character for his client and acknowledged there was alcohol involved.
"He knows his actions were inappropriate," he added.
Police prosecutor Sgt Jason France said he'd watched CCTV of the incident and described the event as "a poor choice on the accused's behalf".
Magistrate Price acknowledged that the glass had not been thrown at Moloney.
"This appears to be in a mid-range of affray offences," she said.
"The maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment. I've mentioned that to reflect the seriousness of the matter and to send a hard, clear message that this is unacceptable.
"The facts say that there were inappropriate comments made (toward the accused and several friends) and then this has escalated.
"It seems that everyone was throwing punches and at there was at least one person on the floor."
Magistrate Price said the simplest thing for Moloney to do would have been to walk away.
"But there was some bravado when alcohol is involved," she added.
Magistrate Price convicted Moloney placing him on a community corrections order without supervision and to be of good behaviour for 12 months.
Also in court:
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