Wodonga man's nine-year clean record ends in pub brawl conviction
A Wodonga man with a nine-year clean record was convicted of affray and fined $800 after a pub brawl.
A Wodonga man has been convicted and fined $800 for a fight that broke out at a Kiewa Street pub in Albury early one morning in May. Kieran Ford, 29, was playing poker machines when another man approached him.
Words were exchanged, and they began pushing each other. Ford challenged the man to step outside the gaming area.
As they continued arguing, Ford began striking the man, and both ended up on the floor before security separated them. CCTV footage captured the incident, which happened about 1.15am.
Judge Rodney Brender said it was not a serious example of affray. However, he noted Ford's record: a robbery conviction from 2017, for which Ford served jail time.
Judge Brender said the conviction and fine would send a message that such conduct is not acceptable. Ford admitted the other man started the argument but accepted the incident did not look good.
- 29
- Age
- 9 years
- Clean record duration
- $800
- Fine amount
- 2017 robbery
- Prior conviction
Why it mattersA criminal record can affect a person's standing in court even years later, and judges consider prior convictions when sentencing.
AustraliaThis is a local court matter with no broader Australian consequence.
