Haami Makiroa Burns Prescott, 27, has been denied bail following charges related to a serious assault at a Gold Coast pub, which has left 36-year-old Ross Burckhardt in critical condition. Mr. Burckhardt’s family reports that he is currently in an induced coma at the hospital.
The case is scheduled to return to court on September 1. According to police, the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday at the Coomera Boathouse Tavern, where Mr. Prescott allegedly approached Mr. Burckhardt in the parking lot and struck him in the face, causing Mr. Burckhardt to fall and sustain severe head injuries.
He was subsequently transported to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he remains in a critical state. Authorities also claim that Mr. Prescott fled the scene in a rideshare vehicle before being apprehended in Ormeau on Monday. He faces a charge of grievous bodily harm.
During a bail application at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Mr. Prescott appeared in casual attire. His attorney, Torik Dib, stated that his client had intended to turn himself in on Tuesday after receiving legal counsel but was arrested a day earlier. Mr. Dib asserted that neither he nor his client had been informed of any pending warrants.
Furthermore, Mr. Dib contended that Mr. Prescott acted in self-defense while trying to protect another patron at the venue. He described a scenario in which the complainant was reportedly wielding a pool cue and arguing with a security guard, suggesting that Mr. Prescott’s actions were a response to the escalating situation.
However, police prosecutor Ricky Tsoi opposed bail, citing CCTV footage of the incident and noting that witnesses did not corroborate any claims of mitigating circumstances regarding Mr. Prescott’s behavior. The court was also informed of Mr. Prescott’s prior criminal record in New South Wales, as well as his current community corrections order from Newcastle, which will conclude on December 28, 2027.
Acting Magistrate Gary Finger deemed Mr. Prescott an “unacceptable risk of reoffending” and subsequently denied him bail. He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court next month.
In a statement to the ABC, Paul Burckhardt, the victim’s brother, expressed the family’s devastation over the incident. He described Ross as a dedicated disability support worker who is compassionate and committed to enhancing the mental health and well-being of others. Paul also mentioned that Ross enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a passion for playing pool.
He confirmed that his brother remains in an induced coma within the intensive care unit. “While we are incredibly grateful that his condition has remained stable, there is still significant swelling on his brain, and doctors continue to monitor him closely,” Paul said. “It is still too early to know the full extent of his injuries or what his recovery will look like, but we know it will be a long road ahead.”
