Head ‘kicked like a football’

KIM WATERS
A GEELONG man who kicked a victim’s head “like a football” during an assault was acting in self-defence, a court heard this week.
Nineteen-year-old Jayden Cox pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday to recklessly causing injury.
His victim, Jonathan Davey, suffered brain contusions, facial injuries and a neck fracture when Cox punched him and kicked his head during the assault.
The Crown prosecutor told the court Cox attended a September 25 party where an associate’s father, Mark Fowler, approached him to ask why he “didn’t like his son”.
During an ensuing “confrontation” Mr Fowler was pushed into a bush, the court heard.
The Crown prosecutor told the court Mr Fowler’s son, Thomas, was notified of the incident via text message and drove to the party.
Thomas Fowler “went looking” for Cox with a group of friends, with one yelling it was “Jayden’s night tonight”.
The Crown prosecutor said Thomas Fowler joined 30 people outside the party where some men started “pushing and shoving” before Cox punched Mr Davey in the head.
Mr Davey then fell to the ground and Cox kicked his head “like a football”, she said.
Mr Davey’s mother, Debra, told the court her son’s brain injuries “changed” him.
“There is a notable change in his personality. He lacks concentration and confidence to complete tasks.
“My son is now reliant on me.”
Ms Davey said her son recently suffered a seizure from the brain contusions, which could bring on early Alzheimer’s, epilepsy or Parkinson’s diseases.
Cox’s lawyer said his client punched Mr Davey in “self-defence”.
Cox had “appropriate levels” of remorse over the incident.
His lawyer urged Magistrate Michael Coghlan to consider a community-based order without a conviction.
“You’re kidding, aren’t you?” Mr Coghlan replied
He described the assault as cowardly “act of violence”.
“There (was) no self-defence, with kicking a motionless person.
Mr Coghlan adjourned the case until June 21.