Aspiring teacher Jalen Marks attacked an elderly woman during Ridgehaven dog park altercation

A university student punched a senior citizen to the face twice when she tried to shoo his German Shepherd away from her scared, smaller dog.

An aspiring teacher twice punched an elderly woman in the face, sending her to hospital with lacerations because she tried to shoo away his dog.

Jalen Marks, 25, was walking his German Shepherd off leash at a Ridgehaven dog park when it ran towards the victim and her smaller dog, frightening them both.

The scare caused the victim’s dog to run from her, she then whipped Marks’ larger dog with its leash three to four times, the Elizabeth Magistrate Court heard on Thursday.

Witnesses say there was an ‘altercation’ before the woman pushed Marks away and he responded by violently assaulting her.

Jalen Marks, a high distinction student who wishes to become a teacher, after receiving his sentence. Picture: Jason Katsaras

They then witnessed Marks punch her twice in the face, causing lacerations to her eyebrow and an ambulance to be called.

Marks had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault causing harm in relation to the May 29, 2021 attack.

On Thursday Magistrate Mark Semmens said the Charles Darwin University education student had no prior convictions and had shown remorse for his actions.

The court heard, Marks had been unable to undertake the teaching placements required to complete his studies as he could not retain a clearance due to the ongoing case.

In sentencing Mr Semmens took into account the high distinction student’s work as a volunteer and in a pet shop, numerous positive references from family and friends, and that he was seeking teaching work.

Jalen Marks leaving the Elizabeth Magistrates Court. Picture: Jason Katsaras

While defence argued for no conviction to be recorded, Mr Semmens refused saying whether the matter impacted Marks’ future career was at the discretion of the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.

“I say that because of the seriousness of the offending, the intention behind the offending, the age and impact to the victim, the fact that it was an act of violence in a public place by a young man in a greater position of strength against a woman,” he said.

“The fact that it was a spontaneous act of violence against a stranger means that I cannot conclude that it was a one-off incident, and that it may not occur again in the future.”

Marks faced a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, but will serve a suspended sentence of four months and six days.

A conviction was recorded and he was also order to pay a $200 bond.