Pub bouncers charged over alleged attack on 18-year-old patron

Author: Anna Leask,
Publish Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026, 12:47pm

Two men have been charged in relation to an alleged assault by pub bouncers on a teen patron in Canterbury.

Footage caught on camera at The Famous Grouse in Lincoln on May 6 appeared to show two security staff kicking, pushing and striking the youth after removing him from the bar area.

The footage, supplied to the Herald by a source, showed the two men continuing to confront the patron as he backed away from them down Gerald St.

When the Herald first reported the allegations, police were not aware of the matter.

A spokesperson later confirmed it was under investigation.

Today, police said two men, aged 40 and 45, have been summonsed to appear in the Christchurch District Court next month.

The Herald understands both men are bouncers.

Pub co-owner Shaughn McNab told the Herald: “We are undertaking a thorough review of what occurred with our independent security firm”.

“We unfortunately cannot discuss this until the investigation is complete.”

The source earlier said the punter involved was 18 and had “accidentally dropp[ed] a glass at the bar”, and security came up to “grab him and drag him out”.

“Several witnesses were present, and there is clear video evidence of the incident showing the actions that took place.

“A number of people who witnessed the incident are extremely concerned about the conduct displayed and believe the matter deserves public attention and investigation.“

The pub is frequented by locals and students at nearby Lincoln University.

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast, A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz