A security guard has been arrested after he was filmed grabbing a pub-goer around the neck and then throwing his unconscious body facefirst on the concrete in front of stunned onlookers.
Confronting footage circulating online shows the moment an altercation broke out between the pair outside the Landmark@Gateway pub, just east of Darwin, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The video, shared by The Mango Inquirer shows the 29-year-old man getting in the guard’s face before the security team member pins him against the wall of the steps.
The guard is then seen with his hands around the victim’s neck, before forcing the upper part of his body about 90 degrees backwards over the wall’s ledge.
Witnesses watched in horror as the guard threw the man’s limp body down three steps, leaving him to face plant into the ground.
The incident lasted 12 seconds, with another security guard among the witnesses watching the altercation unfold.
In a second video which captures the incident from another angle, a third guard appears to stroll towards the man’s motionless body before chatting to two women who filmed the attack.
The security company at the centre of the footage is understood to be Neptune Security Services who provides assistance in close and personal protection, crowd control and major events among other areas.
“We believe the people the security industry serve – the public, and organisations like yours, deserve better. Better accountability and better transparency,” reads the start of a mission statement on their website.
However stunned viewers of the videos have taken to social media to suggest otherwise, with many labelling the guard’s behaviour as “disgusting” and “disturbing”.
“Absolutely disgusting. Not acceptable no matter how drunk or annoying the patron was,” one viewer commented on a post of the video.
Another viewer labelled the guard’s actions as “disgusting”, arguing he stepped over the line.
“The patron is a human being, probably a father, uncle, son and friends to many, how many lives would be affected by the actions of this coward.”
Former security guards also commented on the post, stating behaviour like this would land them in court.
“I worked security for 15 years and that way of dealing with the public would of put me in court on Monday morning every time,” one man said.
A second added: “After 25 years in security it doesn’t matter what happened inside and outside the front doors by the perpetrator.”
“The security person is not in the position to dispense his brand of justice and would not be working security after this especially if he worked for me!”
Landmark@Gateway told news.com.au patron safety is the venue’s highest priority so it was deeply upset by Saturday morning’s events.
“We are saddened and extremely disappointed by the behaviour and actions of one of our contracted Neptune Security guards involved in two incidents,” a spokesperson for the hotel said.
“Whilst there were extenuating circumstances that preceded these events on the evening, the actions and response of the security guard were completely inexcusable and violence will not be tolerated.”
The spokesperson said the guard involved in the incidents has since been stood down and will no longer be working at Landmark@Gateway.
“We apologise for any distress caused to the community and our valued patrons,” they said.
“The safety of our clientele will always remain our number one priority.”
NT Police said the victim suffered injuries to his face and later attended hospital for treatment.
“Police are aware that footage is circulating on social media and would like to thank members of the public who reported the offence,” Detective Senior Sergeant Annette Cooper said.
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“Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage of the assault.”
A report can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the police line on 131 444.
Licensing NT and Neptune Security Services have also been contacted for comment.
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