The dramatic moment a loyal pub patron thwarted an armed thief by hurling multiple bar stools at him has been captured on CCTV. Matthew Bourke, 31, entered the Boatrowers Hotel in Newcastle with a fake gun and a knife on a Saturday night, hoping to steal cash. However, he ended up in intensive care for ten days with a broken arm and head injuries after being subdued by a group of punters.
The Incident Unfolds
CCTV footage shows Mr Bourke entering the pub and walking towards the bar while pulling out a gas-operated gel ball air pistol. He then made his way to the till and attempted to open it. But his efforts were quickly interrupted by a patron enjoying a drink at the bar, who decided to take matters into his own hands. The patron hurled a stool at Mr Bourke, who yelled, 'Do you wanna f***ing go you c***? I'll f***ing blow your head off you dog.' The local responded, 'Do it then,' before being told to 'f*** off.'
Escalation and Resistance
Mr Bourke stabbed the man in the shoulder, prompting him to throw another stool. The thief then hurled a bottle of wine at the brave citizen, narrowly missing him. 'You're a f***ing hero,' he said sarcastically. Satisfied with his takings, Mr Bourke headed for the exit, before noticing a woman filming the ordeal. 'Give me your phone,' he said, but the woman stood her ground and fought back. 'No, don't touch me,' she replied. While fending her off, Mr Bourke dropped some of the money and tried to pick it up, but bolted when a customer approached holding a stool.
Apprehension and Sentencing
However, he did not get far. Two other customers chased, tackled, and pinned him down, with more coming across to help keep him on the ground. Mr Bourke was sentenced to a maximum of six years at Newcastle District Court last week. He will be eligible for parole in three-and-a-half years. Many Australians praised the actions of those who tried to defend the pub. 'The barmaid and the locals in the pub deserve a pure gold bravery medal for pouncing on this lowlife. Very well done,' one person said.
