Raymond Malcolm Le Clezio escapes further jail time for domestic violence charge

A violent offender left his ex unconscious and with fractured ribs when he broke up a scuffle between her and his new partner. Now, he’s walked free from jail.

A man who knocked out his ex-partner breaking up a fight between her and his new partner will not serve further jail time.

Raymond Malcolm Le Clezio, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated commit assault against own spouse after he left his partner of eight years unconscious and with fractured ribs in the December 15 attack.

He was set to be released from Yatala Labour Prison after appearing via video link at the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court on Friday.

Raymond Malcolm Le Clezio, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated commit assault against own spouse. Picture: Supplied

When the victim visited Le Clezio’s new partner’s house a “scuffle” broke out between the women in the front yard before he intervened, the court was told on Wednesday.

The police prosecutor said he pushed the victim into a fence, fracturing her ribs before punching her in the head and face until she lost consciousness.

Le Clezio was arrested later that evening and had been in custody ever since.

He also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and a string of driving charges from July 20, plus three thefts from July and August involving three bottles of alcohol and two pillows.

Arguing for a further period of imprisonment, the police prosecutor outlined a “history of violence” and too many driving disqualifications to count.

“The assault against the victim on this occasion that he’d known for a long time was completely unnecessary,” he said.

“She couldn’t recall how many times she was punched but after she regained consciousness she remembered dealing with the police and the ambulance.

“I don’t think the court can be satisfied he’s not going to continue to reoffend if he gets out because he’s history shows he’s continuing to reoffend and reoffending in quite a serious manner.”

Defence lawyer Jarrad Sims outlined Le Clezio’s traumatic childhood growing up with an alcoholic, abusive father and turning to drugs at 16.

Mr Sims said the defendant had “nothing short of a significant alcohol addiction” but the six months and nine days he had spent in custody had served as a detox.

“At age 43 he’s sick of drugs, sick of being an alcoholic, sick of being in and out of jail,” Mr Sims said.

“It’s time for him to stop and he’s importantly over the toxic relationship, and he’s trying to remain in Adelaide well away from that person.”

Arguing for a partial suspended sentence, Mr Sims asked the court for leniency one final time so Le Clezio could take up a trade assistant job with his uncle.

After Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis adjourned the case to seek clarification on partial suspended sentences on Wednesday, it returned to court on Friday.

She said Le Clezio’s “significant record” and multiple terms of imprisonment were a result of his “serious alcohol and drug addictions”.

“You have now reached a point in your life where you’re ready to change,” Magistrate Panagiotidis said.

“That is a very large undertaking for a person with your background but you are lucky in that you have an uncle who has said he will assist you and support you with your rehabilitation.

“I hope for your sake that you make a genuine effort at that change.”

Recording convictions on all 15 counts, Magistrate Panagiotidis handed down a cumulative sentence of 18 months, reduced to 7 months accounting time served and early guilty pleas.

The sentence was suspended upon Le Clezio entering a $550, 18-month good behaviour bond.

He was also ordered to pay $5490 in fees, a $1496 impounding fee plus compensation to Dan Murphy’s, Spotlight and BWS.