Brain-injuredman kicked, punched

A man who lured a victim with brain injuries to his home before beating him is behind bars.

Jessie James O’donnell and his partner invited the man to their home on December 30, 2018. But it was a trap.

While there, O’donnell pummeled him to the ground in a violent attack, punching and kicking the man’s head.

In the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday, O’donnell was jailed for 211⁄ months and ordered to repay the victim $630. He was charged with theft, robbery, common assault and assault with a weapon.

O’donnell has a similar brain injury as the victim, but that didn’t stop him from inflicting facial bruises and lacerations, and attempting to stab the man with a screwdriver.

The victim arrived at O’donnell’s home after

O’donnell’s partner sent a series of texts.

O’donnell grabbed the man’s shirt and slammed him into the wall. He punched and kicked the man several times while he was on the ground.

Reaching into a wardrobe, O’donnell pulled out a screwdriver and threatened to stab the victim.

Another scuffle ensued and the victim was kicked again.

He then fled outside and sought help.

Judge Stephanie Edwards said the victim suffered a broken nose, facial swelling and lacerations, and had difficulty hearing. He had problems concentrating since the attack.

He was forced to drop out of a chef’s course at UCOL and couldn’t regather the costs.

O’donnell’s violent outbursts didn’t stop there.

While in prison awaiting sentencing, he assaulted a fellow inmate in the exercise yard on December 28.

In a victim impact statement, the inmate said he suffered a car crash in 2005, which left him with disabilities.

Speaking to the judge, O’donnell said he had done ‘‘quite a bit of time’’ and ‘‘just [wanted] to get out’’.

‘‘I’ve been as remorseful as I can. I can continue to change my ways.’’

The judge ordered O’donnell to receive a psychological assessment for his injury and complete any treatment required.