Couldn't swallow another pretzel taunt

Bar manager Johnno Smith,25, found guilty of assault / Pic: Adam Ward Source: The Daily Telegraph

"WHO ate all the pretzels?"

Smith, 25, from Wollstonecraft, yesterday appeared in North Sydney Local Court, where he admitted punching a stranger who repeatedly taunted him.

Magistrate William Brydon heard Smith was drinking with six mates at the Bavarian Bier Cafe in Crows Nest about 8.30pm on November 22 when he became the butt of "hurtful and immature" comments from Hugh Anderson.

During the evening Mr Anderson, who was sitting nearby with a group of friends, walked past Smith several times. Each time he passed Smith at the bar Mr Anderson needled him, asking: "Who ate all the pretzels?"

The bar is known for serving giant Bavarian pretzels along with imported German beers.

The court was told Smith, who manages the Cabana Bar and Lounge in St Leonards, initially didn't let the taunts bother him, despite Mr Anderson also saying: "Move it, you fat prick."

But when Smith went to leave the bar, he approached Mr Anderson, asking: "What's your problem?", and Mr Anderson repeated his comment about the pretzels.Smith reacted by punching Mr Anderson in the face. Police were called and Smith was charged with common assault.

Smith's lawyer Michael Bowe told the court his client's actions were the result of "dropping his guard" for just "one moment".

Mr Anderson's comments were "in effect calling him fat".

"It's bully tactics and it's provocative," Mr Bowe said.

Mr Bowe said Smith arrived at the Bavarian Bier Cafe at 7pm but had begun drinking at a lunch at the Sydney Football Stadium since about 2pm..

Smith was given a one-year good behaviour bond.

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