By MICHELLE HERBISON
A BELL Post Hill man responded “disproportionately” when he head-butted his partner for refusing to turn down music, according to a magistrate.
Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the man was furious to see his partner “having a good time” when he arrived home about 8.30pm on 9 February.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Brooke Sheers told the court the man had been drinking with friends before the incident.
“He verbally abused the woman and turned the stereo off. She turned it back on and he grabbed her,” Sgt Sheers said.
“He pulled the victim forward and head-butted her to her nose and forehead.”
The victim suffered bruising and a bleeding nose, the court heard.
Defence lawyer Lisa Smith said her client and the victim were both drunk.
The pair had “reconciled” since the incident, she said.
“The parties had a history of difficulties communicating but they’ve worked on that now and are able to talk rather than get into these arguments.”
Ms Smith said the incident prompted the victim to take out an intervention order restricting the man from committing further violence against her.
The 29-year-old man had struggled with depression and anxiety, Ms Smith told the court.
“He previously worked for four years as a house painter but is out of work because of a spinal injury and his depression and anxiety.
“He’s appalled at what he’s done. He simply can’t explain that other than to say he was intoxicated.”
Magistrate Stephen Myall convicted and fined the man $1000.
“This was your partner. You were affected by alcohol and had a grievance about the volume of music but it was a disproportionate response,” Mr Myall said.
