Offender released from jail as sentence served over attack

A MOUNT GAMBIER man who punched his former partner in the face with force has been released from jail after a portion of his sentence was suspended.

Peter Mansell, 34, appeared via video-link at the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for aggravated assault.

The incident occurred on June 11 at around 6.30pm when the 19-year-old victim was walking on Penola Road between Percy and Wyatt streets.

Mansell punched the victim – who was his domestic partner – causing her to fall backwards and hit her head.

The prosecutor said the victim took refuge in a nearby fast food restaurant.

“Nearby witnesses said they saw her bleeding from her mouth and cry,” he said.

The prosecution said security camera footage showed the defendant throwing a “roundhouse punch.”

Magistrate Jack Fahey said he had learnt about Mansell from his psychology report.

Magistrate Fahey said Mansell was a past methamphetamine and cannabis user and had anger management problems.

Magistrate Fahey sentenced Mansell to six months imprisonment, which was suspended following a three month and 18 day term served since the offending.

Mansell received a $200 two-year good behaviour bond and must follow court-ordered programs including clinical psychological analysis.