Garry Robert Bottle, 37, of Orchard Grove Road, was taken into custody in Orange Local Court after magistrate David Day sentenced him to time in jail with a 12-month non-parole period until October 23, 2019.

Bottle was one of three males who were arrested after the affray against members from United Brothers Australia, and was the first to be sentenced.

Solicitor John Song said Bottle was part of a family group who were drinking at the lake when a dispute started among them, agitating two dogs they had with them. 

Police said Bottle kicked and hit the animals, but Mr Song argued his client had simply “quietened the dogs”, and Bottle was not charged with animal cruelty.

“The bike enthusiasts nearby saw what was happening, saw the events escalating, so they out of duty of the community approached the family to see what was happening,” Mr Song said.

MAP: Where the Australia Day brawl occurred …

Mr Song said Bottle’s partner told one of the bikers that the family would sort out its own dispute before the dispute escalated, with Bottle and members of his family attacking the other group. 

He said because of the event and his arrest, Bottle had stopped drinking alcohol since January 26.

However, Police prosecutor Sergeant Beau Riley said there was a need for deterrence because the community expects to be protected. 

Mr Day said there was a crowd of 100-plus people at the lake, the other group did not do anything wrong, and Bottle broke bones in one of his hands during the affray and required medical attention.

“There was a substantial fight in which the aggressors were Mr Bottle and his family group,” Mr Day said.

“It’s clear from police facts Mr Bottle used his fists to do some damage.

“The police were concerned about his welfare, [paramedics] thought at least some bones in one of the hands were broken. Alcohol was in play, that’s no excuse.”

The motorbike enthusiasts said they were sober at the time and none were charged by police.