Ice ‘ poster boy’ free Man avoids jail stint over attack with tyre iron
THE man labelled the “poster boy” for the insidious effects of the dangerous drug ice has been released back into society after pleading guilty to smashing a man in the head with a tyre iron.
Kasie Richard Clifford Rice, 29, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm, armed robbery and car theft relating to a series of events on August 6, 2017.
Rice also pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a shotgun and revolver on February 21, 2018 and another 32 summary offences including four more counts of car theft, assaulting police, traffic and drug charges.
Judge Greg Lynham said the armed robbery and assault were the most serious charges. The court heard Rice was driving with an acquaintance when he claimed something was wrong with the car.
Crown Prosecutor William Slack said while the man was checking the engine Rice hit him twice in the head with a tyre iron.
“Then hit him in the knees causing him to buckle and crumble to the ground,” Mr Slack said.
“The defendant then wrapped a dash mat around the complainant’s head and put handcuffs on him.
“The defendant threatened that if ( the victim) went to the police, he would burn the complainant’s car with him inside and also ‘ get’ his grandma.” Rice then stole his victim’s car. The weapons offences came about when a car Rice was in was searched and guns found inside.
Mr Slack said all the offences Rice faced occurred while he had two years and eight months of a suspended sentence hanging over his head.
Defence barrister Harvey Walters said his client had struggled with drug use but when not on illicit substances was an engaging young man.
Judge Lynham said Rice’s offending was linked to his drug use.
“Your criminal history shows a number of drug offences and property- related offences,” he said.
“All is consistent with you as someone who has had significant issues with drugs.
“If there ever was a poster boy for the insidious effects of methylamphetamine you would be him.”
Judge Lynham said Rice’s legal team had negotiated with the prosecution resulting in a guilty plea.
He said normally someone with Rice’s offences would face five years’ jail.
Instead he was given three years and released on parole immediately.
The two years and eight month suspended sentence was activated but that was ordered to run concurrently with his other sentences and did not impact on his release.