A FATHER who punched another male and fractured his jaw while intoxicated appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court today
Mervyn Bennell pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.
The court was told the culture and dance business owner was out for drinks with a friend on August 9, 2015.
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READ NOWPolice said the victim, who was known to Bennell, approached him to “clear the air”.
Bennell, intoxicated at the time, punched the male in the face leaving him with a fractured jaw and the need for surgery.
Bennell’s defence lawyer said the accused realised his decision making wasn’t the best.
He has no records of previously offending and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
Magistrate Anne Longden said that several punches, a fractured jaw and surgery was a serious offence and at the upper end of offences.
However, due to Bennell’s engagement in a counselling program, his work and parental responsibilities, she put him on a 12-month intensive supervision order and 60 hours of community work.
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