Reon Gardiner sentenced for public assault of former roommate at Job's Statewide office

A 43-year-old man who was experiencing high levels of stress when he randomly assaulted a former roommate has told a court he “deeply regrets” it.

A “tightly wound” man with high blood pressure who punched his former roommate in a job seeker’s office waiting room before taking the victim’s phone has told a court he “deeply regrets” the incident.

Reon Gardiner, 43, was sentenced in the Christies Beach Magistrate Court after pleading guilty to assault and taking property without consent.

The court heard on September 19, 2022, Gardiner was leaving a Jobs Statewide office when he saw the victim – a man known to him – and snapped, proceeding to assault the man in the waiting room.

“The victim had stolen several of your belongings several months after you had provided him with shelter,” Magistrate Briony Kennewell said.

“You punched the victim in the head several times.”

Reon Gardiner is seen outside the Adelaide District Court earlier this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The court heard the victim’s mobile phone had fallen to the floor which Gardiner proceeded to pick up and walk off with.

As a result of that offending, the victim sustained a black eye.

Gardiner’s defence counsel Indiana Davis submitted to the court that her client was under an abnormal amount of stress at the time of the offending, as he was awaiting sentencing in the District Court for the charge of false imprisonment.

“It is something Mr Gardiner does deeply regret and it has caused him great amounts of stress,” she said.

“He was much more tightly wound than he normally would have been but he takes responsibility for it.”

In her sentencing, Magistrate Kennewell said the act of violence may stay with the victim for the rest of his life.

“Any punch to the head can cause significant injury, this was several punches to someone in the head,” she said.

“You are fortunate the victim did not sustain more serious injuries than he did.

“I can imagine it was a frightening experience for him.”

The court also heard Gardiner has been recently experiencing health issues that has resulted in him taking time off work.

“He had such high blood pressure that he was at risk of having a heart attack and a stroke,” said defence counsel.

“He is trailing some medication to get that under control.”

Magistrate Kennewell imposed a four month and six day imprisonment to be served on home detention.