Counsel Elliott Wain told the court his client, a now retired motel owner and chef, had been “working and drinking too hard” on the night of December 27.

Taddeo Mifsud, 65, of the Princes Highway, Batemans Bay, was charged with common assault after a bout of drunken and aggressive behaviour towards staff in his motel.

Police were called after he threw a glass bottle at a staff member.

“The court gave you a chance last time to keep your reputation,” magistrate Doug Dick said, in reference to a charge against the defendant in 2007.

Mifsud, who pleaded guilty, was convicted and fined $600.