Stuart Campman jailed for assault on cellmate in Port Augusta prison

A shearer punched his cellmate 10 times in a “cowardly” attack – which left him requiring surgery and stitches – because he believed he had stolen his butter.

A man who punched his prison cellmate over stolen butter turned to a life of crime after he started using methamphetamine.

Stuart William Campman, 35, was jailed for the “cowardly” attack that left his victim requiring surgery.

The Adelaide District Court heard Campman and the victim were residing in Port Augusta Prison.

“After initially getting on together, the defendant became increasingly aggressive, regularly asking the victim to fight him,” Judge Paul Cuthbertson said during sentencing.

The victim began fearing for his safety and requested a change of cells on March 10, 2020.

“While the victim was in his new cell the defendant entered and closed the door behind him,” Judge Cuthbertson said.

“He began arguing with the victim, claiming that the victim had taken his butter.”

Campman then punched the victim about 10 times, causing a right orbital face blowout fracture and a 4cm laceration across the victim’s forehead.

The victim was hospitalised and required surgery on the eye socket fracture and stitches.

Port Augusta Prison entrance: Picture: Google

The Risdon Park father pleaded guilty to causing harm with intent.

The court heard the victim was unable to return to work due to his affected vision and has a reduced quality of life.

The court heard Campman, who previously worked as a shearer, turned to methamphetamine after his relationship went downhill.

Stuart Campman was jailed for an assault on his cellmate. Picture: Facebook

Judge Cuthbertson sentenced Campman to one year and three months in jail, with a non-parole period of 10 months.
“The present offence was a cowardly one, made worse by the fact that the victim was trapped and under detention and unable to keep away from the defendant,” he said.

“The victim received the serious injury of a fractured eye socket which carries with it a risk of serious eye injury.”

The sentence was backdated to October 4.