Home invaders get jail time for attack

LORETTA LO LOHBERGER LO TWO men who broke into a Mount Nelson home and threatened the resident while armed with a metal bar and assaulted him will serve several months in prison.

A jury found Tyron James Page, 22, guilty of aggravated burglary, assault, and causing grievous bodily harm.

Travis Anthony Mortyn, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary and assault and a jury found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday, Justice Gregory Geason said the men made an “impulsive” decision to visit the Mount Nelson home of a man who had been behaving in a manner towards Page’s sister which Page was unhappy about.

Justice Geason said while it was Page’s “mission”, both men were equally culpable.

“The outcome could have had far more serious consequences for the complainant,” Justice Geason said.

He said the victim was hospitalised for six days after the attack and spent a period recovering from his injuries.

During sentencing submissions last week, the Crown prosecutor said the assault happened in the middle of the night and the victim “awoke to two men standing over him”.

Justice Geason said Page, whose partner was expecting their first child, was “very much at the crossroads”.

“Your circumstances have changed and your attitude has matured,” Justice Geason said.

He told Page he could choose to focus on building his work skills, and on being a partner and father.

Justice Geason said Page had a “protective streak” which in part explained the crime. He said Mortyn “became involved out of a sense of loyalty to Mr Page”.

“You have good prospects if you can harness your skills and step away from offending,” Justice Geason told Mortyn.

Page was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be served concurrently with a sentence he is serving for another crime, and will be eligible for parole after serving seven months.

Mortyn was sentenced to 12 months in prison — Justice Geason said his early guilty pleas on two of the charges meant the sentence was discounted by two months — and will be eligible for parole after serving six months.

You have good prospects if you can harness your skills and step away from offending Justice GREGORY

GEASON