Death sparks attack
Lifesaver started drinking after shark fatality
A LIFESAVER who threw a speaker at a woman’s head near Geelong was drinking heavily after learning of the death of shark attack victim Robin Pedretti, a court has heard.
Barry Wood, 57, of Tweed Heads, appeared in custody at Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday after a spate of incidents overnight on Sunday.
The court was told Wood was a friend of Mr Pedretti, who was killed by a shark while surfing in New South Wales on Sunday morning.
Defence lawyer Richard Jakobson said the pair knew each other through the defendant’s position as a lifesaver working near the Queensland-NSW border, where the attack took place.
Prosecutor Victoria McPhee said police were called to Ocean Grove about 9.30pm on Sunday after Wood threw a speaker at a woman known to him.
The speaker struck the woman in the head, causing minor bruising.
Senior Constable McPhee said Wood had been drinking heavily and was becoming increasingly agitated before the assault, while he also threatened to kill the woman.
Wood was arrested and taken to Geelong Police Station, where he was served with an intervention order preventing him from contacting the victim.
However, on his release from custody, he phoned the woman before returning to her house and breaking into the property while she was not present.
Police were called and took Wood into custody.
The court heard that before becoming a lifesaver, Wood was a promising rugby league player who represented Australia in overseas matches.
Mr Jakobson said Wood’s career derailed after a leg injury when he was 25.
He said the incident on the weekend came after Wood learned of Mr Pedretti’s death, causing the grandfather to “spiral” and start drinking.
Magistrate Simon Guthrie said he was sorry to hear of the death, but said it was no excuse for Wood’s offending.
He was placed on an 18month good behaviour bond, without conviction, and fined $500.
He must also complete a men’s behaviour change program.