A young woman from Geelong has walked away from court without a criminal record after admitting to an assault that took place at a popular waterfront nightspot. The incident, which unfolded at the Dive Bar on Cunningham Pier, was described in court as the violent culmination of a bitter and long-standing family conflict.
Violent Confrontation at Waterfront Venue
The Geelong Magistrates' Court heard that on the evening of October 28, 2023, the 22-year-old woman, Mikayla Gull, became involved in a physical altercation with another woman. The confrontation was not a random act of violence but was directly linked to an ongoing feud between their respective families.
According to the police summary presented to the court, Gull approached the victim inside the bar and proceeded to assault her. The attack involved multiple punches to the victim's head and body. The assault only ceased when security personnel at the venue intervened, pulling Gull away from the other woman.
Guilty Plea and Judicial Discretion
Mikayla Gull pleaded guilty to a single charge of unlawful assault. During the hearing before Magistrate Franz Holzer, her defence lawyer argued that her client had shown genuine remorse for her actions. The lawyer emphasised Gull's young age, her lack of prior criminal history, and the specific context of the family dispute that led to the incident.
Magistrate Holzer, in considering the sentence, noted the serious nature of assault in a licensed premises. However, he also took into account the early guilty plea and Gull's otherwise clean record. The magistrate determined that in this specific case, the interests of justice did not require the recording of a conviction.
Outcome and Conditions
Instead of a conviction, Magistrate Holzer placed Gull on a 12-month good behaviour bond. This is a court order that requires her to not commit any further offences during that period. If she successfully complies with the bond's conditions for the full year, she will not receive a criminal conviction for the assault.
The decision means that while Gull has been held accountable for her actions in a court of law, she will not carry the lifelong burden of a criminal record from this event. The ruling underscores the discretion available to magistrates in sentencing, particularly for first-time offenders who demonstrate contrition.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how personal disputes can spill over into public spaces, leading to violent outcomes. It also highlights the legal consequences that can follow, even when a conviction is ultimately not recorded.
