A CONFRONTATION about rent at a Rochester shop which ended with the front windows being smashed has been resolved in court.
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A man in his 50s pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to common assault, trespass and criminal damage, and was ordered to make a $3000 donation to the CFA.
The court heard the victim had rented the premises for two months before the owner alleged he stopped paying rent.
The court heard the victim was working alone at 10.30pm on January 26, when a friend of the landlord arrived at the back door demanding to be let in.
The victim told him to go away, so he went to the front door. The victim went to the door and let the man in, before the defendant aggressively demanded rent.
The victim attempted to push the man out of the store, but the man fell and smashed a window.
The man left the store and started kicking the door until it shattered, but trapped his leg in the broken glass. He then started throwing broken glass at the victim.
The victim left the store and the man started to chase him down the street, shouting “stand still so I can get you”.
Police and ambulance arrived, and the man was taken to Echuca Hospital with lacerations. He required four stitches in his chest.
A victim impact statement was read out to the court, which detailed how his life had been “turned upside down”. The victim no longer feels safe to work alone.
The defendant had consumed between 10 and 15 beers during the day, and has since paid to fix the premises.
Four testimonials were tendered to court outlining the man’s service to the Rochester community.
Magistrate John Murphy said it was a difficult case to sentence.
“Some may say this is an easy sentencing exercise, but I haven’t found that at all,” he said.
“Triple 0 was called, and it’s clear the man was terrified.
“Very often solicitors will say ‘my client will...’, but you have already paid the damage.
“At the end of the day, I think this is a one-off situation.”
The man was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction, and was ordered to make a $3000 donation to the CFA.