A MAN accused of assaulting his father has had his sentencing adjourned for a pre-sentence report.
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Alex Robert Bell, 20, of Ophir Road, Rock Forest, appeared before magistrate Michael Allen on Monday, September 5, where he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious damage.
A third charge of recklessly cause grievous bodily harm was withdrawn.
Bell’s solicitor Mark Ireland told the court the situation evolved after the victim, Bell’s father, rushed out and assaulted his client, and Bell defended himself.
However, Mr Allen said the situation went “seriously beyond” Bell defending himself, adding Bell’s father, the victim in the assault, ended up on the ground.
Mr Ireland said his client now lives with his mother, had since lost his employment at Simplot, but had plans to one day join the army.
Mr Ireland said the relationship between Bell and his father was now at a standstill, but said his mother and grandmother were both in court supporting him.
Mr Ireland asked Mr Allen to take into account the mental provocation by Bell’s father which he said led to the outburst.
Mr Allen said he accepted Bell responded to significant provocation, turning on the victim, who then fell.
The court heard Bell then struck the victim a number of times, causing serious injury.
The court also heard the assault was a fit of rage, with Bell losing control after months and years of anger and frustration as he himself had been a victim of emotional and physical manipulation and abuse.
Mr Allen adjourned the matter until October 18, ordering a pre-sentence report.
Mr Allen also noted Bathurst Regional Council sought compensation for damage.