A Goulburn man who threw a cigarette lighter at his partner's three-year old son, causing him to bleed, will remain on a Community Corrections Order for a year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Siosifa Hala, 32, fronted Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday (May 4) and plead guilty to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that on March 1, 2022 Hala was at home with his partner when an argument ensued between the two. Hala then sat down in the garage and, frustrated, threw his cigarette lighter at a wall which instead struck the back of the victim's head.
The wound began bleeding and the victim ran away crying before the mother, a witness, called the ambulance with police arriving shortly after.
Despite the wound not requiring hospitalisation, Hala was arrested by police after making a 'full and frank admission' to throwing the lighter.
Lawyer Matthew Adam said in court that his client accepted his actions were reckless and that he was seeking counselling for anger management. He also presented two character reference letters on Hala's behalf.
While accepting of Hala's instant remorse and co-operation with police, Magistrate Geraldine Beattie expressed concern that the case was being viewed as just an accident.
"The victim is really vulnerable, a three-year old," she said.
"The references before me are suggestive of people not seeing it as serious and accidental. That worries me.
"It wasn't an accident, you deliberately threw the lighter while the three-year old was there [in vicinity]. Five years jail this [can] carry.
"The court needs to reflect the need for vulnerable people to be protected."
Hala was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order.
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a daily email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.
