Shaun Briggs labelled a ‘woman bashing drug addict’ by the victim of his domestic violence

A woman has urged the courts to “show no mercy” on a former boxer who attacked her with a pool cue and dropped a dumbbell on her legs.

A northern suburbs boxer and boxing coach has been labelled a “woman bashing drug addict” by a woman he beat with a pool cue.

Shaun Briggs, 50, appeared in the District Court this week for sentencing submissions on two charges of aggravated assault.

He was initially facing more charges of violence but struck a plea deal with prosecutors shortly before he was to go to trial.

District Court Judge Liesl Kudelka heard Briggs and his victim had been in a “physically volatile relationship”.

A prosecutor told the court on August 28, 2021, the victim and Briggs woke together at his house and soon began arguing.

He hit her with a pool cue which he kept on his side of the bed and then dropped a dumbbell on the victim’s legs causing bruising.

Two days later he was arrested and charged with multiple offences of violence.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim said Briggs was a former high level boxer and was “Olympic fit” when he assaulted her.

“No one should ever be treated the way you treat others,” she said.

“You are a woman bashing drug addict and I hope the courts show no mercy.”

The victim said she had been questioned at her children’s school about why she was covered in bruises and was forced to lie.

Carrie Demertzis, for Briggs, told the court her client was “extremely ashamed of his actions” having witnessed domestic violence when he was a child.

Since his arrest on the domestic violence charges, Briggs has also been charged with possessing a dangerous article, prohibited weapon, prescribed item and a controlled drug.

He also tested positive for illegal drugs on three occasions.

Ms Demertzis said Briggs’ last boxing match had been in the Masters Games and he now had a home gym set up where he tried to provide guidance to young boxers.

“He wants to keep them off the same path he went down,” she said.

Judge Kudelka will sentence Briggs next month.