PICKING on “a cripple” is bad enough.

Targeting someone wearing a plaster cast on Australia Day is yet another example of how our national day has become one of shame rather than a celebration of pride.

As the fallout from Australia Day 2010 began unfolding in our courts yesterday, Wade Richard Amey found himself fined $300 for his behaviour.

Police prosecutor Rick Pallister told Maroochydore Magistrates Court the 19-year-old roof tiler had been walking in Mooloolaba with a friend, who had his arm in plaster, when a group of men approached them and called his mate “a cripple”.

Senior Constable Pallister said Mr Amey felt his mate could not stick up for himself so he punched one in the head, took off his shirt and said “come on, I’ll take you all on”.

Lawyer Clare Sultmann said the other men were quite aggressive when the incident took place at 10.35pm.

Earlier in the day, Martin Peter Mitchell was arrested for being a public nuisance in Parkyn Parade.

He was leaning inside a four-wheel-drive yelling and swearing at his girlfriend about 4pm.

Senior Constable Pallister said many people, including families, were crossing the road to avoid Mr Mitchell.

He said when police approached the 26-year-old he said “it’s none of your f****** business, it’s a private matter” and told them “go find some real criminals”.

Mr Mitchell was fined $350.

Police were called to an intoxicated Stephen Frederick Innis, 28, the day before Australia Day when he was causing a disturbance at Sunshine Beach.

His fiancée and mate were trying to speak to him, but he adapted a fighting stance and kicked his friend in the stomach and chest.

The TV contractor was fined $300 for being a public nuisance.

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