Past could left hook Olympic boxer

OLYMPIC boxer Damien Hooper could become one of the first people in the state to have his juvenile criminal history aired when he is eventually sentenced for his latest brush with the law.

The State Government passed the changes to the Youth Justice Act in March, which allows sentencing judges to be told of a person’s relevant juvenile history so it could be taken into account when determining penalties for offences committed as an adult.

Hooper, 22, who represented Australia at the London Olympics, was arrested during the early hours of January 6 last year outside the Oasis Nightclub in Dalby.

He was subsequently charged with wilful exposure, obstructing police, and serious assault after spitting in a police officer’s face while being arrested.

Hooper was due to be sentenced in the Brisbane District Court yesterday.

However, sentencing was adjourned.

Judge Michael Noud immediately expressed concerns the matter was not ready to proceed to sentencing.

He said there were a number of issues he did not feel comfortable with including alleged comments Hooper made on Facebook and his barrister’s attempts to “water down” the significance of the officer’s victim impact statement.

Judge Noud also expressed concerns that if he was to record a conviction it could damage Hooper’s career, especially in relation to any future fights overseas, despite noting a conviction had been already recorded against him for a totally unrelated matter.

Crown Prosecutor Dejana Kovac told the court it was her intention to outline Hooper’s “significant and lengthy” juvenile history under the changes to the Youth Justice Act so it could be taken into consideration if and when he is sentenced.

Judge Noud adjourned the sentencing to a date to be fixed.