Andrew David Boyd: Geraldton man fined for punching co-worker over loud music on radio

A case of workplace rage has ended up in a Geraldton courtroom after a man punched a colleague for repeatedly turning the radio volume up despite his warnings to “keep it down”. Andrew David Boyd, 44, pleaded guilty to common assault in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 13, for resorting to violence when a fellow worker kept turning the radio volume up while working on heavy machinery. The court was told Boyd was employed at road transport equipment manufacturer Bruce Rock Engineering when about 7am on May 29 the victim, who was another employee at the workshop, turned up the volume on the radio. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul White said Boyd approached the radio and turned the volume down, stating “keep it down”. Sgt White said the volume of the radio was changed by the victim and Boyd multiple times. As the victim continued to turn up the volume, the court was told Boyd said: “If you turn it up again I’ll smash the radio”. Sgt White said the victim mimicked Boyd’s words, to which Boyd said: “You think I’m joking c***”. The court was told Boyd approached the victim and punched him. Legal Aid WA defence lawyer Karen Ward said Boyd was tasked with a “dangerous job” which required a great deal of concentration and needed to be taken seriously. She said Boyd was working on machinery that was heavy enough to crush someone if something went wrong. “He wanted the radio music turned down to focus and take the job serious,” she said. Ms Ward said Boyd conceded he had lost his temper with the stress of the task at hand. The court was told Boyd had resigned from the company after the incident but had since been offered his job back. Magistrate Angus Hockton said the matter would be dealt with by way of fine as Boyd’s behaviour was out of character and he was a working man who contributed to the community. He said the business’ general manager must regard Boyd as a competent and dependable employee to offer him his job back. Boyd was fined $750 plus court fees, payable to the victim. He was also granted a spent conviction.