FORMER operator of BJ Paterson's Sports Bar and Restaurant Luke McMahon has gone to police saying he was assaulted in the men's toilet of the Orange City Bowling Club on Thursday night, sustaining facial injuries.
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"I was at the club having a drink with some people I know and then I went into the toilet,” Mr McMahon told the Central Western Daily.
"I was followed into the toilet and assaulted.
"I lost five teeth and had my jaw injured.”
Mr McMahon said he did not seek hospital attention for his injuries, saying instead he went back into the bar area of the club where a staff member gave him a cloth to hold on his facial injuries while waiting for police to arrive.
Canobolas Local Area Crime Commander Inspector Bruce Grassick confirmed Mr McMahon had reported the assault to police who attended the scene on the night.
I was followed into the toilet and assaulted
- Luke McMahon
"Our next step is to interview witnesses and look at the CCTV footage,” Inspector Grassick said.
"But our understanding so far is that two males were involved in the alleged assault and one of the males is known to Mr McMahon.”
Mr McMahon told the Central Western Daily he believed the alleged assault was the result of media coverage of the closure of BJ Paterson's Sports Bar and Restaurant, with some former employees claiming they had not been paid their full salaries and entitlements.
A spokesperson for the bowling club said as the incident is currently under investigation there will be no comment from the club.
"It just isn't appropriate we comment at this time," the spokesman said.
BJ Paterson's Sports Bar and Restaurant has ceased operations after McMahon Hotels Pty Limited were denied access to the premises early last week.
A letter from solicitors Whiteley Ironside and Shillington was posted on the front window of the premises stating the owners Dino and Michael Cunial were owed more than $25,000 in rent and property outgoings.
Mr McMahon said he will not be opening another entertainment venue in Orange in the future.