Helensburgh Bricklayer Faces Court Over Threatening Domestic Violence Incident
A Helensburgh bricklayer has been handed a community correction order after a disturbing domestic violence episode where he threatened to crash his utility vehicle into a tree. The Wollongong Local Court heard graphic details of the incident, which occurred in September last year.
Court Hears Details of 'Disgusting' Behaviour
Mason Wayne Hill, aged 25, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including intimidation, common assault, and contravening an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order. The court was told the incident began on September 28 after Hill and the victim had been drinking at the Helensburgh Tradies club.
According to court documents, the pair left the venue in Hill's white Holden Rodeo ute around 6.30pm. An argument quickly escalated into what Magistrate Gabriel Fleming would later describe as a 'disgusting' display of behaviour.
Threats and Violence During Drive
The court heard Hill launched into a verbal tirade against the woman, who held an ADVO against him, telling her: 'You can walk home you s--t.' He then attempted to push her from the moving vehicle and threw a food wrap that struck her in the face.
As Hill drove at speed around Helensburgh with the woman still in the vehicle, he made chilling threats. 'I'll drive this car into a f---ing tree,' he told her, demanding she 'shut [her] fat mouth.' During the drive, Hill swerved the ute toward a deer on the side of the road.
When they eventually stopped at a Helensburgh home, a physical struggle ensued. The woman was struck in the face, leaving a bruise on the bridge of her nose. She managed to call police twice during the ordeal before reporting the incident at Helensburgh Police Station.
Defence and Sentencing
Following his arrest in Woonona, Hill admitted to breaching the ADVO and throwing the food item, though he claimed the victim had grabbed the steering wheel during the drive.
Defence solicitor Mr Kenny described Hill's behaviour as 'deplorable' but noted his client had no prior history of violence and had abstained from alcohol since the arrest. 'He hates himself, he's absolutely ashamed of what has occurred,' Mr Kenny told the court.
Magistrate Fleming condemned Hill's actions, labelling the display 'demeaning' and warning him about his future. 'You've got a choice; continue going this way, not treating the anger, alcohol and drug issues, exploding when things aren't working your way and without a doubt you'll end up in jail,' Magistrate Fleming said.
Hill was sentenced to a two-year community correction order and must complete 100 hours of community service. The magistrate's strong warning highlighted the serious consequences if Hill fails to address his behavioural issues.
