Violent, drunken offences punished

A BINGE-DRINKING session became a violent home invasion after four mates ran out of cash at the pub.

Liam Curtis Dean had been with serial pest twins Edward and Lionel Piva and Leslie Piva. After they’d run out of money, Edward Piva’s “bright idea” was to steal from a 49year-old man who had shown Edward kindness in the past.

The four tricked the man into opening his door late on April 18 last year, and as soon as he did, Lionel Piva rushed at him, landing about five blows. Lionel then continued to strike while armed with a flashlight.

Joshua Francis, for Crown Prosecutions, said at this point Dean and Leslie Piva joined the assault. When they left, they stole four bottles of spirits.

Five days later, Dean threw a four-pack of vodka bottles at two BWS drive-through attendants after he was refused service. Cairns District Court heard about $585.85 worth of spirits was smashed and a $700 pair of prescription glasses belonging to one of the victims was also damaged.

The incident was captured on CCTV and played in court.

Yesterday, the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to charges including assault causing bodily harm while armed, burglary and stealing, assault causing bodily harm, common assault and wilful damage.

Defence barrister Michael Dalton said Dean had been binge drinking for up to four days, with no food or sleep, when he committed the crimes

Before this he had no history of violence.

Judge Fantin took this into account along with Dean’s age, timely plea and prospects of rehabilitation and sentenced him to two years jail.