A 21-year-old man who threw a bottle at the head of another man in the middle of Ballarat's nightclub precinct has been fined $1000.
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The Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday heard the actions of Aidan Smith-Gorman on the evening of October 29 which left another man surrounded by blood were "out of character" and "random".
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Lisa Schoemaker told the court the victim was trying to break up a fight when the accused came around the corner onto Mair Street and threw the bottle.
The bottle shattered when it hit the man's head, leaving him lying on the ground with a 3cm gash.
When Smith-Gorman was arrested he was found with seven xanex tablets and a pocket knife.
His lawyer, Manny Brennan, told the court his client had worked almost 70 hours that week when he decided to go out for drinks with friends.
Mr Brennan said his client rarely drunk alcohol, but had clearly had too much on the night.
"He made a foolish decision to intervene, but didn't intend to hit anyone," he said.
He urged the magistrate to take into account this was highly unusual behaviour for his client who spent his entire working life contributing to society.
Submitting a fine would be appropriate, Mr Brennan said his client understood the behaviour cannot be repeated.
Magistrate Clive Alsop said he could see the behaviour was out of character after reading a number of "glowing references".
"This was a violent act which was stupid. But this is one of the best work records I've heard in a long time and it's unlikely we will see you again."
Smith-Gorman was convicted and fined after pleaded guilty to the three matters.
