Dubbo Local Court has heard a man who suffered a tragic childhood at the hands of a violent alcoholic father was subjecting his own children to the same cycle of abuse.
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Magistrate Andrew Eckhold said Thomas Charles Gordon had complex mental health problems and chronic alcohol addiction but that was no excuse for punching the mother of his children when she was ringing police for help.
The court heard the assault occurred in chaotic circumstances in front of Gordon’s children during the early hours of the morning following a 36-hour drug and alcohol binge. At the time of the offence Gordon was on bonds for other offences.
Gordon, 44, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two charges of contravening the conditions of an apprehended violence order and one charge of resisting police.
Magistrate Eckhold said the assault was disturbing and the woman suffered significant injuries.
Gordon’s solicitor said he was disgusted with himself and cannot remember what happened.
The court was told Gordon started drinking at age 16 and soon lapsed into regularly consuming alcohol alone.
An alcoholic since his teenaged years, he had lost numerous jobs due to alcohol consumption and drink driving.
Mr Eckhold said the need for full-time custody was obvious. But he found special circumstances because Gordon needed rehabilitation and supervision in the community.
Gordon was sentenced to 18 months jail with a six-month non-parole period for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two six-month fixed terms for contravening apprehended violence orders.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Gordon was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond for resisting police.
A five-year apprehended violence order was imposed to protect the victim of the assault.
