Facts: Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

SA was charged with one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (s 59 Crimes Act 1900). The police alleged that SA punched the victim and jumped on his leg causing it to break in two places.

Outcome: Community Correction Order

O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors acted for SA. After successful negotiations before the hearing, the police agreed to amend the facts to reflect that SA believed he was acting in self-defence.

SA pleaded guilty to the assault charge on the basis that he struck the victim once after the victim had advanced towards him and that broken leg was caused as a result of the victim stumbling backwards and falling over. The Court ordered that SA serve a sentence of Community Corrections Order for a period of 2 years under Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, Section 8.