Bong used as weapon in Newcastle park assault
A teenager has appeared in court following a violent altercation at Newcastle's popular Foreshore Park, where a bong was allegedly used as a weapon against a 46-year-old man.
Xavier Simmonds, 18, faced Newcastle Bail Court on Monday, December 1 after being arrested at a nearby campsite the previous day. Police were called to the park just before 11:30am on Sunday, November 30, responding to reports of an assault involving multiple people.
Violent details emerge in court
The police prosecutor told the court that Simmonds was accused of "smashing a bong" over the head of a 46-year-old man before using the broken object to cut him multiple times. The assault reportedly continued after the alleged victim fell to the ground.
Court documents revealed the man suffered lacerations to his arm, armpit, and thigh. When a 17-year-old boy attempted to intervene, he was allegedly struck in the back of the head.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras, including the initial "pushing and shoving" that preceded the more serious violence.
Medical treatment and arrest
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 46-year-old man at the scene before transporting him to Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle in stable condition. The 17-year-old boy received treatment for minor lacerations.
Police arrested Simmonds in the campsite area near Foreshore Park and took him to Newcastle Police Station, where he spent the night in custody.
The incident occurred while police were attending the Rising Tide climate protest, known as the People's Blockade of the World's Largest Coal Port, though organisers later stated Simmonds was not a member or registered attendee.
Bail granted with strict conditions
Despite police opposition to his release, Magistrate Elizabeth Bushby granted Simmonds bail with strict conditions. Defence solicitor Claire Coelho argued her client was a young Aboriginal man with health conditions requiring medication, employed casually in grain silo construction, and could live with family in Narrabri.
The court heard Simmonds had inquired about the alleged victim's condition after the incident and expressed that he hadn't had the opportunity to apologise.
Bail conditions require Simmonds to live at the Narrabri family address, abide by a curfew, abstain from alcohol and drugs, avoid a specified street, and not contact prosecution witnesses.
Simmonds faces domestic violence-related charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He did not enter pleas and will next appear at Newcastle Local Court in February 2026, while police compile their evidence brief.
