A MAN who punched a 13-year-old several times because he was standing near his unlocked car appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court today.
Nathan Charles Spencer (22) pleaded guilty to unlawful assault and bodily harm with circumstances of aggravation.
The police prosecutor said Spencer walked outside his home in Waroona at 8.30pm on August 17 and saw a 13-year-old standing near his unlocked car.
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READ NOWSpencer yelled ‘get off my yard’.
Police said Spencer chased the 13-year-old 200m to a mini store along the South Western Highway.
Spencer approached the victim outside the mini store and threw him on the ground.
He then threw two punches to the 13-year-old under his left eye, which caused swelling.
The 13-year-old cried out for help and was assisted by bystanders.
He sustained a black left eye and grazes on his neck.
The defence lawyer said Spencer had cars and a motorbike in his front yard and he thought the 13-year-old would steal them.
Spencer admitted to assault and he had overreacted but said he was protecting his property.
The lawyer said it was dark, with only the street lights visible and Spencer didn’t know the victim was so young.
The lawyer said Spencer had character references and was a responsible, hard worker.
Spencer also wrote a letter to the victim.
Magistrate Anne Longden said Spencer’s initial instincts were something of his was being stolen and anger got the better of him, but not only did he punch the victim to the ground, he also punched him twice.
Ms Longden said his actions were disappointing but his references spoke highly of him and he expressed remorse through his letter.
However, she said a fine was not adequate enough for the seriousness of the offence and he was sentenced with a 9-month community based supervision order and 50 hours of community based work.
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