Ex-partner headbutted

Judge lashes false ‘sense of entitlement’ shown by young man

A HOME invader who headbutted his pregnant former partner and bashed her new boyfriend has been jailed.

Dwayne Kennedy, of Norlane, had been drinking heavily when he decided to visit the couple’s home about 10pm on October 27 last year.

At least two small children were inside when Kennedy — armed with a metal pipe — arrived at the home and screamed for his ex-partner’s new boyfriend to come outside.

When that failed, the 22year-old kicked down a laundry door and attacked the man, knocking him to the floor and repeatedly punching him to the head while he was defenceless.

Kennedy then walked outside and justified his actions, saying the man “got what he deserved”.

Then, in an act a judge described as “weak and cowardly”, Kennedy turned his attention towards his former partner, headbutting her to the nose and causing her to fall to the ground.

The woman was in the early stages of pregnancy, however it was unclear whether Kennedy knew at the time.

In a bizarre twist, it later emerged the father-of-one had gone to the home after hearing allegations the woman had been subjected to violence by another person.

Still not content with the brutality he inflicted at the property, Kennedy followed the male victim to his father’s home and tried to attack him again.

After failing, he used a metal pipe to smash up a car belonging to the man’s father.

He was yesterday sentenced to four years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty in Geelong County Court to charges including aggravated burglary, criminal damage and common assault.

The court heard the incident had forced the female victim out of the home and she had become homeless.

In a victim impact state- ment tendered to the court, she revealed she did not feel safe anywhere and often suffered anxiety attacks.

In sentencing, Judge Gerard Mullaly said it was strange that Kennedy had claimed his actions were in response to allegations of family violence.

“To take the law into your own hands and commit the same sort of violence you say you’re against reveals a lack of a moral compass,” Judge Mullaly said.

He said the “sense of entitlement” of some men towards their ex-partners would not be tolerated.

“Our community is heartily sick of violent home invasions brought on by petty grievances,” he said.

“These crimes are corrosive, making people feel like they are not safe.

“Men like you have to understand women are entitled to safely form new relationships.”

Kennedy, now 23, must serve two years and nine months before he is eligible for parole.