A MILLICENT man has been jailed for attacking another man outside a licensed premises in the town last August.
Jack Leslie Elson, 29, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for aggravated assault.
The prosecution said the incident occurred on George Street at around 10.15pm on August 4 after the defendant and victim were removed from a licenced premises.
The argument continued out the front before a physical confrontation occurred between Elson’s friend and the victim.
Elson was seen intervening on security camera footage by punching the defendant, before attempting to kick him twice in the head.
The violent assault continued for around two minutes including several kicks and punches.
At the end of the security camera footage, the victim could be seen with blood on his face.
He required staples on his lip and above his eye.
The prosecution submitted the incident could have ended far worse.
“He is extremely fortunate the victim was not seriously injured or killed,” the prosecution said.
The defendant’s lawyer said his client had lost his temper and his actions went “way beyond” what is characterised as assisting a friend.
“He has since seen the victim in Millicent and apologised in person,” the defendant’s lawyer said.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson viewed the vision of the assault herself and described the behaviour as “extremely violent”.
“The risk of significant injury was very high, it could have had far more serious consequences than it did,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“You took the confrontation to the victim.”
Magistrate Anderson sentenced the defendant to seven months and nine days imprisonment, however only required four months to be served with the balance suspended.
On his release, Elson will have to enter into a $500, 12-month good behaviour bond.
