Jeffrey Wayne White, 38, allegedly choked a man at Fiction in Civic on Sunday. Photo: Albert McKnight.
A businessman allegedly waited outside a Canberra strip club on Valentine’s Day to bash a man before, months later, choking another man until he fell to the ground in a nightclub.
After an alleged interaction with the first man at the Wanderlust Gentleman’s Club in Mitchell on 14 February 2025, Jeffrey Wayne White was told to leave by staff, the ACT Magistrate Court heard.
Staff later told the man White was still outside so they let him out via a side door.
But it is alleged that while the man was waiting under cover, White and other men came around the corner, spotted him and White punched him in the head, eyes and nose, leaving him with serious injuries.
Then, early on Sunday morning (20 July), White was allegedly at Fiction in Civic when a second man accidentally bumped into him while walking around a table, the court heard.
White allegedly pushed him back before they got into a verbal argument. He then reportedly grabbed the man by the throat and squeezed for five seconds, resulting in the man falling to the ground unconscious.
White was charged with recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault over the February allegations, as well as affray and choking a person rendering them insensible over the July allegations when he faced the ACT Magistrate Court on Monday (21 July).
The 38-year-old from Ngunnawal applied for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
His lawyer, Amelie McCarthy of Legal Aid, said he owned four companies. Two of these related to building or construction, while the others related to energy drinks and scaffolding.
The lawyer said he was concerned his staff could lose their jobs if he were remanded in custody, as well as the impact it would have on his family.
Ms McCarthy said it appeared his main criminogenic factor was drinking alcohol to excess, but he reported he had been going to Alcoholics Anonymous for the last three months.
Magistrate Jane Campbell said it was clear alcohol use was his main risk factor, but there was no suggestion he was particularly intoxicated in either alleged incident.
She noted how in February he had allegedly told the first man he would wait for him.
He had already been on a court order during both alleged incidents and Magistrate Campbell said she was not satisfied he would comply with his bail conditions if she released him.
White was visibly upset when he heard the magistrate would refuse his bail.
The matter was adjourned to 11 August. No pleas were entered.
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