Attacker convicted and fined

A TEEN thug who threw hot chocolate over a young woman before repeatedly punching her in the head in a vicious unprovoked attack, has been fined $1000.

Jessika Duncan, 18, of Yarra St, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to a single charge of recklessly causing injury.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Alana Groves said that, on March 10, Duncan and a co-accused approached the victim, who was sitting at the bus exchange in Moorabool St.

“Duncan threw a cup of hot chocolate over the victim covering her from the chest down,” Sen-Constable Groves said.

“She then grabbed the victim by the hair and struck her about a dozen times to her face.

“The victim did not retaliate but was trying to protect herself.”

The prosecutor said Duncan then pulled the young woman to the ground and continued striking her to the head while the co-accused looked on.

“The pair left and the victim was given a phone to call 000,” Sen-Constable Groves said.

“She then saw Duncan and the co-accused returning.

“She got up and fled across the street with Duncan and the co-accused chasing her.

“The co-accused struck the victim to the face causing a cut to her lip.”

The prosecutor said Duncan then set upon the victim again, beating her repeatedly to the head before a witness intervened and the offenders fled.

“The victim was taken to Geelong hospital with scratches, bruising and a cut to her lip but no serious injuries,” SenConstable Groves said.

“When interviewed Duncan told police she didn’t really have a reason for assaulting the victim other than claiming she owed her money.

Magistrate Ron Saines convicted and fined Duncan $1000.