Costly kick in the teeth for jealous rival

A MAN who kicked his love rival in the mouth, causing him to lose his two front teeth, has avoided time in jail — but has been ordered to pay his victim’s dental fees.

Damien Mason, 31, suspected his victim had “taken up” with his ex-wife when he invited the man to meet him at a park “purportedly so you could talk with him about it”, during August last year.

“However, when he arrived, and began to speak with you, you struck him,” Justice Robert Pearce said.

“As he turned to run away you grabbed his jumper and punched the back of his head between 10 and 15 times. He dropped to his knees and you kicked him in the mouth.”

The Launceston man punched his victim in the back of his head when he stood up, then threatened to shoot him if he didn’t stay away from his ex-wife.

A short time later, with the man taking himself to hospital, Mason texted him threatening further serious violence.

“The blows you inflicted, particularly the kick, caused serious facial and dental injuries,” Justice Mason said.

“Two teeth from the front of his mouth were lost. Two more were cracked. Later examination revealed a fractured jaw.

“He required and continues to require extensive dental surgery to repair and replace four teeth.”

He said the costs could add up to $20,000.

Justice Pearce said Mason’s marriage of five years broke down in 2018 and, although family breakdowns “inevitably provoke strong feelings”, the attack was “spiteful and vindictive” and deserved punished.

Mason, who pleaded guilty to assault, was given a 10month suspended jail sentence and a 12-month community correction order with 140 hours of community service.

Justice Pearce also said he would make a compensation order, in a sum to be assessed, to ensure Mason was responsible for the victim’s medical and dental expenses.