Paul Bernardi fined after ‘not recalling’ throwing a stranger’s pint glass and smashing pub window

A South West man who “can’t remember” grabbing a pint glass from a stranger and throwing it at a window of a local pub after being asked to leave for refusing to wear a mask has been fined more than $1000. Paul Bernardi, 21, appeared in Collie Magistrates Court on March 30 on a charge of destruction of property where he pleaded guilty to using the pint and smashing a glass window of the Federal Hotel in Collie earlier this year. On February 13, Bernardi was a customer at the venue, but was told to leave the premises due to refusing to wear a mask as per COVID regulations. The court was told Bernardi was “highly intoxicated” and in retaliation he picked up his empty pint glass and threw it towards a staff member of the hotel before leaving out the front door. Leaving the hotel, the man grabbed a pint glass from another patron and threw it directly at the front door of the Federal Hotel, smashing the glass windowpane. The incident was captured on CCTV. Bernardi was taken into custody and participated in a police interview during which he told officers he did not recall why he threw the glass. The man did not have any previous convictions and appeared in court with “good character,” which Magistrate Andretich said she recognised and would take into consideration. Due to Bernardi making his guilty plea on the first appearance, Magistrate Andretich also offered a discounted sentence. Bernardi was fined $500 for the destruction of public property along with court costs of $259.30. He will also pay the Federal Hotel costs for damages of $375.