An Indigenous mentor from Quairading has been sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment for an assault on his cousin after a night of drinking.
Daniel Murray Hansen was self represented when he appeared in Northam Magistrates Court on Monday, January 14.
He had pleaded guilty to assault during an appearance on November 27.
In the early hours of December 2, 2017 Hansen was leaving the Quiarading Hotel after drinking when an altercation took place between himself and his third cousin, the court heard.
Hansen approached the victim and the pair exchanged blows before the other man fell to the ground.
Hansen walked about 7 metres away from the victim before running towards him and jumping on his head while barefoot.
The victim was taken to Quiarading Hospital before being flow to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment for a concussion and bruising.
Prosecuting sergeant Phil Milne said he was concerned with Hansen’s relevant prior convictions.
“This issue is he walked away but has returned and jumped on a person’s head,” Sergeant Milne said.
“A punch to the head is bad enough.”
Hansen presented the court with character references.
He said he was very remorseful and has since come to terms with the mental health issues he has had since childhood.
Hansen said he did not remember the altercation taking place.
Magistrate Stephen Wilson said Hansen had some great personal attributes.
“You’ve doing some valuable work for the Indigenous community,” Magistrate Wilson said.
“You don’t want to have your reputation ruined by being sent to jail.
“There is no doubt this is a serious assault.
“It is without excuse and quite cowardly.”
Hansen was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, alongside a supervision order and counselling.
