Jail for home invasion attack

A MAN will spend up to three years in prison for his attack on Tasmanian Patient Health Group co-founder Jim Franke and his family in their home last year.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart before Acting Justice Pierre Slicer, Travis Anthony Mortyn, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and one count of attempted robbery.

On August 23, 2016, Mortyn, who was known to the Franke family, entered their northern suburbs home uninvited and demanded money from Mrs Franke and her daughter.

When Mr Franke came into the lounge room, Mortyn demanded money from him also and when he was refused, punched Mr Franke in the stomach causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on a cabinet.

As Mortyn left the house, he also punched Mrs Franke in the face. A CAT scan showed Mrs Franke had suffered an infra orbital fracture to her left eye which required surgery.

Mr Franke suffered pain to the stomach as he had had a stomach operation just three months prior.

“He has terminal cancer and has been declared as totally blind,” Acting Justice Slicer said. “The stress of the home invasion has exacerbated his condition.

“This was a serious case of home invasion, an attempt to seize property and unwarranted attacks on defenceless people.”

Acting Justice Slicer sentenced Mortyn to three years’ imprisonment, with six months already served in custody. He will be eligible for parole after serving a further 20 months.