A 29-year-old man has received an immediate term of imprisonment over assaults from 2017 and 2018.
Caleb Neihana Rico Schneider, 29, attended Bunbury Magistrates Court for sentencing on Thursday, February 14, after pleading guilty to two counts of assault and one of breaching bail conditions.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Jo Morrissey revealed that Schneider got into an argument with the owner of Fitzgerald's Irish Bar at 12.33am on December 16, 2017.
After being refused entry, Schneider became involved in a physical altercation with another man.
Schneider approached the victim, before being stopped by bystanders and security personnel.
The 29-year-old later punched the victim in the face, causing a broken nose.
On July 21, 2018, Schneider was playing for the Collie Mongrels Rugby Club against the Busselton Dunsborough Dungbeetles at Barnard Park, Busselton.
During a melee, one player was hit in the side of the head before being knocked to the ground.
While the victim was on his hands and knees, Schneider kicked the victim the face.
The kick caused a broken eye socket, bruising, and temporary blindness.
By committing the second offence, Schneider had breached his bail conditions from 2017.
Schneider’s defence counsel, Ntuthuko Mcingolwane, said Schneider had behaved “uncharacteristically” on both occasions.
The lawyer said Schneider was remorseful, and had taken steps to address his issues and “become a better person”.
The court heard Schneider had been in custody since August 2018.
Mr Mcingolwane said his client wished to continue his rehabilitation and see his 18-month-old son in person.
The defence said Schneider was a New Zealand citizen, and could face deportation if convicted.
Magistrate David MacLean acknowledged that Schneider had no history of assault prior to 2017.
Denying Schneider a suspended sentence, Mr MacLean handed down a two-year jail term – backdated to August last year – and a $500 fine.
Schneider was made eligible for parole.
Mr MacLean refused to impose a “crushing” sentence. He said Schneider could still go on to lead a “fulfilling life” after prison.
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