Early Saturday morning, 16/01/2016 there was a series of unprovoked assaults committed at a Bridport hotel against 13 patrons, by four men.  All four men were charged a short time later by police for the assaults.

On Friday 12/8/16 two of the men were convicted in the Launceston Magistrates Court for their part in the attacks.

Corey Mitchell Gesler, aged 23 of St Leonards, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, with three suspended.  He was convicted of seven counts of assault after pleading guilty. He is eligible for release from prison on 16/01/2017.

The period of imprisonment reflects the unprovoked and serious nature of the attacks. Tasmania Police along with the community at large condemn this senseless unprovoked violence on members of the public and welcome the lengthy term of imprisonment.

Conniey-Rae Pretty-Riley, aged 23 of Mowbray, was also convicted after pleading guilty to one count of assault. He was fined $1000 and placed on probation.

The two other offenders’ matters are still processing through the courts.