Trial told of violent assault

A MAN charged with being part of a violent home invasion that left an East Devonport resident laying in a driveway with a broken nose and head and back injuries is standing trial in Burnie.

The jury was told Kevin John Fitzpatrick, in the company of others, went to the house in Lantana Ave late on August 23, 2017.

Mr Fitzpatrick is accused of breaking into the property and assaulting Matthew Cooper, smashing windows in the residence and those in two vehicles parked in the driveway.

Mr Fitzpatrick has pleaded not guilty to a count of aggravated burglary, one of assault and two counts of unlawfully injuring property.

The jury was told Mr Cooper knew the accused and considered him a mate.

Crown Prosecutor Tony Jacobs said four people had arrived at the house late that night. He said Mr Cooper recognised two, including Mr Fitzpatrick.

“This was a serious home invasion and attack,” Mr

Jacobs said. Mr Cooper told the jury the men had broken down the front door “barged in and put me in a head lock”.

“I was bashed from one room to the next,” he said.

Mr Cooper said he was hit with fists and some other implements. He estimated he was hit more than 20 times and had tried to escape over a fence but was knocked to the ground.

Emergency department doctor Marielle Ruigrok told the jury Mr Cooper had an open wound on his forehead, a broken nose and back injuries consistent with a fall when he arrived by ambulance.

Mr Cooper told the jury under cross examination by Mr Fitzpatrick’s defence counsel that he had heard the men yelling something but could not make out what it was.

He denied the men had been saying “where’s your money” and that he had told police when interviewed the day after the incident he did not know who the people were who had come to his house.

Mr Cooper’s partner was in the house at the time and ran outside when police arrived.

The trial continues.