Soldier jailed over assault
A SOLDIER has been jailed for a bone- breaking attack on two students after a drunken night out in Townsville.
Bradley Dean Ginders Mason coward- punched a 20year- old medical student, whose arm was in sling, before attacking the man’s 22- yearold friend.
The first victim was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw which required surgery. The second had to have metal plates installed in his face to repair a fracture to his eye socket.
Ginders Mason’s victims did not know him and had no engagement with him before his attack.
The 22- year- old offender was sentenced in Townsville District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm.
Crown prosecutor Amanda Payne said the victims had attended a 21st birthday party on September 3, 2016, and were waiting for a bus about 1.30am in Flinders St when they were attacked without warning.
Ms Payne said Ginders Mason was involved in an altercation with an unknown man before the attack.
She said he had attempted to chase the man in Flinders St but failed to catch him.
Ginders Mason then walked over to the 20- year- old medical student and punched him in the face, believing he was a friend of the unknown person.
Defence barrister Harvey Walters said his client was drunk on the night of the attacks and experienced “a matter of seconds of madness”.
Mr Walters said Ginders Mason wanted to continue his career in the army, and submitted several references from superior officers to the court.
“He has expressed sincere regret,” Mr Walters said.
“He is certainly deeply ashamed of what he has done to the army and his unit ( 2nd Battalion, The Royal Austra- lian Regiment) and the shame he has brought them with his actions.”
The court heard the army’s Major David Hosie had indicated that should Ginders Mason be imprisoned, his service with the army would be terminated.
Mr Walters said his client had undergone 25 psychological counselling sessions since the incident and had engaged in restorative justice with one of his victims.
The 20- year- old declined the opportunity to meet Ginders Mason but the 22- yearold accepted an apology from the soldier, who also paid him $ 2500 in compensation.
Judge Greg Lynham described the victims as “innocent bystanders” who were attacked by a “complete stranger”.
Judge Lynham took into account Ginders Mason’s strong efforts towards rehabilitation, the fact he had not reoffended in the two years since the incident and his positive references.
However, the judge said it was appropriate for Ginders Mason to serve actual time behind bars, sentencing him to two- and- a- half years’ imprisonment to be suspended after four months.