Trespassing to use shower

A “PERSISTENT offender” who assaulted his father-inlaw and trespassed in a house to have a shower, has been sentenced to time behind bars.

William Richard Brown pleaded guilty to seven charges in the Warwick Magistrates Court late last month, including one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, trespass and two counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles.

The court was told Brown’s father-in-law was left with pain and soreness to his face and throat after Brown punched him.

Lawyer Sarah Campbell said the “push and shove” occurred when Brown tried to stop the man from driving drunk.

“It’s not random violence, there seemed to be a cause or some surrounding circumstances,” Mrs Campbell said.

Brown, 32, committed all seven offences between August and October this year, a couple of months after completing a stint of parole.

Brown, who has been living in Stanthorpe, was charged with wilful damage after he broke through a gate at the pound to retrieve his dog.

Mrs Campbell said Brown was also charged with trespass after he entered a residence while he was homeless.

“He’s gone in and had a shower and had dinner and taken cover in the storm,” Mrs Campbell said.

“He hasn’t caused any damage to that residence.”

Police prosecutor Steve de Lissa said time behind bars was the only option for Brown, as it was not the first time he had committed offences.

“He’s been in prison so many times for like offending it’s got to be a reasonable period of imprisonment,” Sgt de Lissa said.

Mrs Campbell agreed jail time was the only option before the court for Brown, but urged Magistrate Bevan Manthey to give Brown six to nine months in jail with a parole release date after three months.

But Mr Manthey said Brown had a “significant and concerning history”.

While the assault was not very serious, Mr Manthey said it was an offence involving violence that left the victim with soreness.

Mr Manthey said a sentence below 12 months’ jail would not be appropriate, considering Brown’s long history.

The 32-year-old was sentenced to 12 months’ jail but will be released on parole on February 21 after serving three months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years.

“You’re getting a bit old for this, you’ve got the little one now, so best of luck,” Mr Manthey said.