Breaking jaw leads to prison

A MAN who punched another man in a Palm Island shop and broke his jaw has been sentenced to three years jail.

Moa Azariah Sam, 28, believed the victim had spat at his sister and his “emotions got the better of him”, the court was told.

On June 20, believing he would soon be jailed for the attack, Sam went to his ex- partner’s Hermit Park home to see his two- year- old son. The first thing he did at the address was king hit his ex- partner, while the toddler was in her arms, and threatened to throw her off the third floor veranda.

Sam pleaded guilty in Townsville District Court yesterday to common assault, grievous bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm as a domestic violence offence and possessing a dangerous drug.

Crown prosecutor Will Slack said there was an ongoing dispute between Sam’s sister and the sister of the man he punched.

Defence barrister Scott Geeves said the dispute led to Sam punching the 22- year- old man on both sides of the jaw causing him to fall to the ground.

The man was taken to Townsville for surgery on his fractured jaw.

Sam was granted bail and his Kirwan home was searched in January. He was found with 100g of marijuana in his jacket and again granted bail.

Sam wanted to see his child prior to his sentence, which was set for July, so he went to his ex- partner’s home on June 20.

“Upon entry, the defendant king hit ( the woman) to the jaw, causing a split lip,” Mr Slack said. “The defendant tried to pull the child from the complainant before threatening to throw the complainant off the thirdfloor veranda.”

He said in all the assaults, Sam had “let his emotions get the better of him”.

Judge Gregory Lynham sentenced Sam to three years in jail. He has already served 63 days and will be released on parole on June 19 next year.