A “scared and humiliated” teenager who left her breasts exposed in a casino while being restrained by four security guards has been ordered to pay compensation.
Jayda Ellen Punter, 18, appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with three counts of assault and one count of failing to leave the premises.
Ms Punter, 18, and a friend arrived at The Star casino in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast at around 3.55am on May 27, 2023.
The court heard Ms Punter had a few drinks even though she knew not to mix alcohol with the various medications she was prescribed for anxiety, ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Police prosecutor Sophie Gorrick told the court that Ms Punter and her friend were refused entry because they smelled of alcohol and were ordered to leave.
Mrs Punter decided to go to the bathroom before leaving the scene, the court was told.
Shortly after Ms. Punter entered the bathroom, a security guard also entered and knocked on the stall door, the newspaper reported. Gold Coast Newsletter.
The court heard three more guards entered the bathroom and physically restrained Ms Punter (pictured) with a “crucifix”, resulting in her shirt being ripped off.
Ms Punter was then taken naked from the bathroom in full view of customers and taken into police custody during the incident at The Star casino in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast (pictured).
The court was told Ms Punter still had her skirt down and no underwear on, and opened the door to see a security guard had also entered the bathroom.
The situation escalated and Ms Punter became distressed and called the security guard a “paedophile”, Ms Punter’s solicitor Michael Gatenby told the court.
The court heard three more guards entered the bathroom and physically restrained Mrs Punter with a “crucifix”, causing them to tear off her shirt.
A crucifix is a martial arts position where one One of the opponent’s arms is controlled using the legs, and the other using the arms, effectively placing the opponent in a position that resembles a crucifix.
“Her breasts are very clearly exposed and her skirt is pulled down and it is indicated that she was not wearing underwear,” Gatenby said.
“There are four men sitting on top of her while she is naked.”
Gatenby said Punter bit a guard who had his arm around his neck and kicked two security guards in the stomach and knees.
Ms Punter was then taken naked from the bathroom in full view of customers and taken into police custody.
Gatenby told the court: “She accepts she put herself in that position.” But she described herself as scared, humiliated and feeling like she was being treated like an animal.’
“Again, I’m not suggesting anything illegal,” Gatenby repeatedly told the court.
He said Punter had been seeing a psychiatrist for three years, who recommended that he not have problems with alcohol consumption.
Gatenby told the court the incident was not typical.
Ms Punter pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, two counts of common assault and one count of failing to leave the premises of a licensed building.
Magistrate Louisa Pink sentenced Ms Punter to 18 months’ probation for the assaults, fined her $150 for failing to leave and ordered her to pay $1,200 in compensation.
