Jail for ‘ degrading’ assault on woman
A YOUNG man will spend time behind bars after kicking, spitting on and biting a woman in a “degrading” attack.
Sam Jordi Wright pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and three counts of common assault when he fronted Townsville Magistrates Court.
The court heard the 22- year- old had an argument with the victim, threw objects at her including a used bong which resulted in “dirty bong water” spilling on to her, and spat at the woman with spittle landing on her face.
Police prosecutor Subarna Raut said Wright pulled the victim by the hair causing her to fall and kicked her in the back when she attempted to flee.
“The final assault then involved the defendant placing his hands over the victim’s mouth to stop her from screaming and also covering her nose to the point where the victim started to feel dizzy,” Mr Raut said.
“The defendant then bit the victim on the shoulder, leaving a bite mark.
“Not only was this a vicious assault on the victim but in my submission also carried aspects of degradation.”
Barrister Harvey Walters, representing Wright, said his client understood the seriousness of his actions, had deep regret, and had undergone a domestic c violence course to address his behaviour. He said the injuries sustained by the victim were relatively minor and she did not require medical treatment.
Magistrate Richard Lehmann said Wright had taken genuine steps towards rehabilitation but the most appropriate form of punishment was a short term of actual imprisonment.
He said Wright was well supported by his family and even the victim who the magistrate said had chosen to stick by the young man when many others would not. Wright was sentenced to six months imprisonment to serve one month; factoring in two days in custody already served Mr Lehmann set a parole release date of August 8, 2018.
Wright also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drug utensils and the court heard he had breached a suspended sentence on drug matters from the District Court.
The breach of suspended sentence matter will be heard at the District Court at a later date.