By MICHELLE HERBISON
A MAGISTRATE has convicted and placed a Norlane man on a 12-month community corrections order for knocking out a victim at a Geelong nightclub.
Ashley Foord, 25, of Aster St, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court to four charges including recklessly causing serious injury.
Police Prosecutor Acting Sergeant Brooke Sheers told the court Foord punched two victims at Eureka nightclub about 3.30am on 12 June 2012. The court heard Foord was standing at the bar when the victim behind him said: “Excuse me mate”.
“The accused turned and punched the victim in the face, who was immediately knocked out. He then punched a second victim,” Sgt Sheers said.
The second victim retained consciousness but received cuts and bruises, the court heard.
Foord said in a police interview he “decided to get in first” after fearing he would be punched because he “was getting pushed and prodded on the dance floor” by the victim and friends.
Police also found at Foord’s home small plastic bags of cannabis and amphetamines and drug-related equipment.
Defence lawyer Simon Northeast said Foord had changed his drug use after participating in a credit bail program and enduring a hospital scare.
“I’ve had a series of mini-strokes. It was confronting,” Foord told the court.
“I want to get back into normality. I’m just getting back into sport and everything now.”
Mr Northeast said Foord suffered a psychotic episode due to drug use while visiting friends at Ballarat.
“He spent three nights and four days at Ballarat Hospital and the staff decided he should not return to Geelong.”
Foord had undergone a 12-day “home-based detox” at a Ballarat house and had since decided to stay in the town, the court heard.
Mr Northeast said Foord’s mother, brother, girlfriend and family friends who attended court to support him had “all taken this very seriously”.
Magistrate Peter Mellas said crimes similar in nature to Foord’s were “unfortunately all too common”.
“You’ve made good early steps but they’re going to need to stick. As you know, you’re a different person when you’re using drugs.”
