Bouncer jumped on pregnant woman

Press, 28 March 1980, Page 6

Bouncer jumped on pregnant woman

NZPA Melbourne A disco bouncer jumped on the stomach of a prenant woman who was dressed as a man causing injuries from which the woman subsequently died, a Melbourne coroner has found.

The coroner (Mr lan Griffiths, SJW.) found that Maria Gloria Paten had died from injuries inflicted by Phillip John Keen.

Keen, aged 26, of Foots ciray West, is charged with the manslaughter of Miss Paten, aged 19. Mr Griffiths committed him to the County Court for trial on May 1. Mr. Griffiths found that Miss Paten died from a split liver caused by Keen who had jumped on her, “landing knee first in the stomach area.”

He said that Paten, who had been three months pregnant, and some friends .had visited the Night Moves Disco. Paten, dressed as a man, had ‘been ejected from the disco after she had repeatedly put her feet on one of the tables, Mr Griffiths said. ' ‘ '

After .being ejected Miss Paten had returned to the front foyer where she became engaged in a scuffle with Keen, Mr Griffiths said. He said: “Unfortunately for Keen, I believe that his actions overstepped the mark. I have no doubt that the de? ceased provoked Keen' into doing; what in fact he did while she was on the floor.”

The manager of. the club, Frank Hartdobler, aged 31 and Steve Huseyian, aged 24, have been charged with assault and assault in . company in connection with the incident ; ‘