Benjamin Jacob Cameron pleaded guilty to one count of assaults occasioning bodily harm

A night out in Bundaberg left one man with a broken hand after a Maryborough dad first punched then kicked him during a dispute over money.

Benjamin Jacob Cameron pleaded guilty to one count of assaults occasioning bodily harm while in company when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A violent assault during a night out in Bundaberg has seen a man narrowly avoid serving time in prison.

Benjamin Jacob Cameron pleaded guilty in Maryborough Magistrates Court this week to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm while in company.

The court heard following some drinking within the Bundaberg Safe Night Precinct, Cameron had approached the victim, who was sitting down.

Cameron was with another person at the time of the incident, the court heard.

There had been an earlier dispute, the court was told, in relation to Cameron and the other man at a hotel, relating to money which was discussed prior to the assault.

As a result of the dispute, the victim had tried to leave and Cameron had responded, punching the victim to the chin and then kicking him.

The court heard the assault was not prolonged or protracted, but it did result in the victim falling and breaking his hand.

Surgery was not required, the court heard, but Cameron had been charged as being in company at the time.

The alleged co-accused had tried to hold the victim as he ran, but Cameron had not carried on with the assault.

Magistrate John Milburn said Cameron had an extensive criminal history, mostly concerning drugs, but no previous convictions for violence.

“Had that been the case, the outcome may have been different today as well,” he said.

Cameron had previously had a suspended term of imprisonment, Mr Milburn said, but that had run its course.

He said he considered the contribution Cameron had made to the community through his employment and his referees spoke very highly of him.

“That works to your advantage,” he said.

“Your referees have indicated that you are, all things considered, a reliable, hardworking person who contributes much to our society.

“You are a father, and you have an ability to interact well, I’m told, with people generally.”

But Cameron had consumed alcohol during the incident and while it wasn’t a mitigating factor, it may provide some reason why he had acted in the violent manner that he had on that occasion,” Mr Milburn said.

“It appears to be out of character in the absence of any prior entries for violence and the statements made on your behalf by those who support you,” he said.

Cameron had also cared for family members during times of hardship, Mr Milburn said.

He said the act of violence was significant, but it was short.

Cameron was sentenced to nine months in prison but was immediately released on parole.

He was ordered to pay $750 in compensation to the victim.

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