A Wollongong man's first night out celebrating his new fatherhood descended into chaos after he took cocaine and became involved in a violent pub brawl, a local court has heard.
Night of Celebration Turns Violent
Shane Hodcroft, 26, from Dapto, pleaded guilty to charges of affray and drug possession in Wollongong Local Court on December 2. The incident occurred on the night of July 5 at The Grand Hotel in Wollongong. According to police facts tendered to the court, an altercation erupted between hotel security and another patron, escalating into what officers described as an "all in brawl".
Hodcroft involved himself in the scuffle, grappling with security guards. Police stated he struck one guard in the back of the head as the officer was attempting to subdue an associate. The fight then spilled out onto Keira Street, where Hodcroft was seen dragging a man from behind and attempting to punch another, although the blow missed.
Cocaine Admission and Arrest
After reviewing CCTV footage, police identified Hodcroft by his distinctive clothing: a white t-shirt, blue denim shorts, and white Nike sneakers. He was arrested in Crown Street Mall around 12:45 am. Upon his arrest, Hodcroft told officers he was acting in defence of his family.
During a search, the 26-year-old truck driver admitted to possessing a "bag" of cocaine and confessed to having snorted two lines of the drug prior to the brawl. He was taken to Wollongong Police Station, where the bag of white powder was formally weighed at 0.52 grams.
Court Hears of 'Drug-Fuelled' Incident
In court, Hodcroft's solicitor, Graeme Morrison, explained that his client was a "very strong family man" on his first social outing following the birth of his child. Mr Morrison argued Hodcroft was not a regular cocaine user and had the substance for recreational purposes only.
However, Magistrate Geraldine Beattie labelled the incident "drug-fuelled" and said it would have ruined the evening for innocent bystanders. "People should be able to go there without this going on," Magistrate Beattie remarked.
For the affray charge, Hodcroft was placed on a six-month community correction order and fined $1200. The drug possession charge was dismissed without a conviction or further penalty.
