A man in Victoria has been fined and banned from nightclubs in Bendigo after punching an Irish tourist in December 2011.

Jamie Steven Cox, 25, appeared before Bendigo magistrates court on Monday, June 18, where he pleaded guilty to two charges.

The first charge was of intentionally causing injury and the second was being drunk in a public place.

Mr Cox was convicted and fined $3,000 at sentencing.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill said acts of violence would not be tolerated and ordered the defendant to stay away from central Bendigo’s nightspots for six months.

The Irish tourist in question was not present at the hearing and has left Bendigo since the incident happened.

The court was told there were no reports from the hospital and the victim had not made a statement at the time of the incident.

Mr Cox’s defense said the defendant was retaliating from an alleged attack on a friend when he initiated, what was described as a ‘king-hit’, on the Irish tourist.

Prosecuting, Senior Constable Tony Graham said the assault happened about 3am on December 24, 2011, in front of Pugg Mahones.

The court was told that Mr Cox punched the Irish tourist once to the head.

“The victim has been knocked unconscious and fallen backwards hitting his head on the concrete.

“The accused has then walked down towards town hall, police arrived and observed the victim lying on a bench nearby with security and the ambo was in attendance.”

It was not until a few hours later that Police found Cox outside KFC in High Street and he was subsequently arrested and taken to Bendigo police station.

“The victim was seen in hospital but couldn’t talk to police due to his injuries to his jaw,” Senior Constable Graham said.

Defence counsel Garry Quinn said Cox’s female friend had alleged the victim had assaulted her earlier in the night.

“He’s remorseful for his actions,” Mr Quinn said.

“This was a serious, unprovoked attack … My client does regret his actions.”