A 22-year-old Hill Top man has pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Guy Wilson appeared at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday, August 16 after he was charged with assault following an incident in New Berrima on Saturday, July 16, 2022.
According to documents tendered to the court, Wilson entered a residential premises in New Berrima in an irate state after he discovered messages between the victim, a former friend, and Wilson's former partner.
The court was told the accused punched the victim in the left jaw, left cheek and left ear, and the victim sustained minor lacerations to their ear, inner cheek and swelling to his jaw.
According to the police documents, Wilson did not stop punching the victim and kept advancing on the victim which caused them to fall back on the couch. Wilson then stood behind the victim and punched them six times in the back of the head.
Magistrate Mark Douglass said it was "a serious assault".
"You went to someone's house, and as soon as they opened the door in the place should be safe in, you belted him, and you continued to belt him and hit him on the ground," he said.
"He was not able to get away.
"That sort of behaviour was once considered a dog act and low behaviour, even amongst thugs.
"This is very serious."
Magistrate Douglass took into account that Wilson cooperated with the police.
"To your credit, you have undertaken treatment and feel ashamed," he said.
"Firstly this is a form of domestic violence; it involves coercive power. You haven't done anything to the girl but you have clearly said you can't do this with other men so there is an element of control.
"Women are not your property. People are not property, they are free to do as they wish."
Magistrate Douglass said that in cases of domestic violence, the perpetrator often felt justified in what they did and felt that they were the victim.
"You are not the victim. The bloke you wailed into is the victim," he said.
"I do note youth played a role in this matter. The law recognises that a person's age can impact maturity.
"You reacted poorly."
In his sentencing, Magistrate Douglass took into account Wilson's age and lack of criminal history.
Wilson was placed on an 18-month supervised conditional release order.
Conditions to his conditional release order also include that he must undergo anger management and a domestic violence program if directed by his community corrections officer.
He was also fined $400 for an aggravated break and enter for entering the victim's home without permission.
No conviction was recorded.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters
Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
