Norwood midfielder and ex-AFL rookie Joshua Glenn avoids jail over drunken assault outside Gawler pub
A FORMER AFL rookie and Norwood midfielder has avoided a jail term for a “regretfully common” and unjustified drunken assault outside a Gawler pub.
A FORMER AFL rookie and Norwood midfielder has avoided a jail term for a “regretfully common” and unjustified drunken assault outside a Gawler pub.
Joshua William Glenn, 24, broke the nose of an Australian Defence Force employee when repeatedly punching him after he was kicked out of the Gawler Exchange Hotel around midnight on March 2.
Glenn and co-accused Curtis Scot Marks, 21, received suspended sentences in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday after each previously pleaded guilty to an aggravated charge of recklessly causing harm to another.
Magistrate Simon Smart said Glenn was the “principal physical protagonist” in the incident, while Marks was “close by encouraging what was going on”.
He said CCTV footage of the incident showed the victim — who was also intoxicated — walking outside for a cigarette and sitting down next to Glenn and Marks who had been kicked out of the hotel.
After a conversation Mr Smart said Glenn “suddenly and with no warning” struck the victim “with a swinging left hand blow to the face”, causing him to fall backwards.
Marks then also laid a punch before the victim held his hands up “as if seeking an explanation”.
Marks recorded the victim on his mobile phone when Glenn again delivers “three more swinging blows” and later a final blow before the victim got up and walked away.
“(The victim) was addressing insulting comments calling one or other of you, it’s not clear which, a skinny little c … and would not leave when asked to do so.
“This was serious conduct. At worst (the victim) was being an irritation. He was not acting in a hostile or threatening manner towards you, his actions in no way justified your treatment of him.
“All you needed to do was stand up and leave. Instead, you struck him causing him injury.”
Mr Smart said the victim required corrective surgery for a broken nose and consequently fell behind in his application to join the ADF’s special forces.
Glenn, a current Norwood SANFL player, was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns from Central District with pick seven in the 2014 rookie draft.
He played five games for the Suns before quitting the club at the end of 2015, citing homesickness.
Mr Smart said incidents like this assault were a concern for society.
“Such offending is regretfully common, often involving young men who have overindulged in alcohol. Sometimes the conduct can result in tragic consequences. It is a matter of legitimate public concern.
“Perhaps young men such as you will curb their drinking and react responsibly to situations of irritation they encounter in public houses.
“I accept that you are both sorry for your offending, also that your offending was driven by an over consumption of liquor which … explains but does not excuse your offending.”
Mr Smart said the only justified penalty was a prison term, but suspended a three-and-a-half month sentence on condition of a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Mr Smart recorded convictions for both men, which he said would “prejudice their chances of obtaining employment in their chosen fields” of teaching and building site supervising and would “impact upon your employability in general”.
In a statement, the Norwood Football Club was noncommittal on whether Glenn would definitely be with the club next year, only saying it “will continue to have discussions with Josh about how we can support him moving forward”.
“The Norwood Football Club does not condone violence of any kind. As with all legal matters, we respect the legal process in relation to the charges against Josh,” the club said.
“Josh joined the club in March this year after the executive, board and player leadership group went through a process to determine if Josh was a suitable fit for the team and committed to his return to senior level football.
“Since joining Norwood, Josh has been provided with ongoing professional counselling and mentoring to assist both his personal and football development which he has embraced.”