A MOUNT Gambier man who damaged a man’s teeth after “propelling a chair” at him at a licensed venue in the city has received a suspended term of imprisonment.
Marley Joseph Mills, 24, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for using a weapon to commit an assault causing harm.
The prosecution said the incident occurred on a Sunday night at the complex.
Mills was intoxicated and sitting with friends and other people when he became involved in an altercation.
The victim in the matter was allegedly provoking Mills by calling him a “sook” and throwing ice in his direction.
Eventually the defendant snapped and grabbed a chair in a “swooping” motion propelling it at the victim.
The chair hit the victim to the head, causing significant damage to his teeth.
The defendant’s lawyer said her client had reacted badly to the derogatory comments and the ice being thrown at him.
“He is willing to pay compensation,” the defendant’s lawyer said.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said Mills was lucky his actions did not result it much more serious consequences for the victim.
“You could have knocked him unconscious,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“In some ways you are lucky that he only had his teeth broken.”
Magistrate Anderson accepted the defendant was provoked, however still described it as a serious act of violence.
“Acts of violence are unacceptable and too many tend to occur in licensed premises,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Sections of a victim impact statement were also highlighted in court, including the fact the victim was now “hyper vigilant”.
“He is scared of encountering you,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Mills was sentenced to three months and 18 days imprisonment, however it was suspended on him entering into a $500, 18-month good behaviour bond.
He is required to be supervised for 10 months of the bond.
He was also ordered to pay $824 in compensation for the repair to the victim’s teeth.
