A late-night pizza proved a costly meal for former Brisbane Broncos player Chris Johns after he copped a $340 fine for an altercation with police outside a Brisbane pub.
The 51-year-old former rugby league international avoided a larger fine and possible conviction on Thursday after police conceded the hotel's security guards had overreacted during the incident.
Johns, a Broncos Hall of Fame member, was charged with public nuisance on February 20 after clashing with bouncers and then police officers outside the Caxton Hotel, near the club's home ground Suncorp Stadium.
The former Australia and NSW State of Origin representative was carrying a pizza past the popular hotel when he stopped to chat to someone in its outdoor smoking area.
The stoush erupted after security guards told Johns he couldn't have food in the area.
Police were called but were given a version of events that was unfair to Johns, the Brisbane Magistrates Court heard on Thursday.
His lawyer, Angelo Venardos, said the former player regretted the incident but had been assaulted by bouncers.
"When the police arrived, emotions were high," Mr Venardos said.
"We accept that the police acted in good faith at the time but unfortunately they were misinformed."
He added that his client had never said "I'm Chris Johns" in an attempt to use his name and status during the altercation, as had been reported.
Johns, who played 245 top-grade matches before his retirement in 1996, was not in court.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Mark Gorton said he'd used his discretion to issue a $340 infringement notice instead of the usual $680 fine.
"After reviewing the CCTV footage it is obvious that the security guards at the Caxton Street hotel gave the police incorrect information and they acted upon that," Sen Sgt Gorton told the court.
"That caused Mr Johns to argue with police which is quite natural when you're being accused of something you have not done.
"And I believe the reaction by the security guard at the Caxton Street hotel was unnecessarily swift and disproportionate."
Sen Sgt Gordon said he would offer no evidence in respect of the public nuisance charge and it was dismissed by Magistrate Jeffrey Clarke.
Johns, who lives in Brisbane, began his rugby league career with St George in 1984 before becoming a foundation player for Brisbane in 1988.
He played 10 Origin matches for NSW and nine Tests for Australia before working as a top official for both the Broncos and Melbourne Storm.
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