Scott Robert Britton in court on domestic violence charges
A former Hervey Bay martial arts instructor has blamed “benzos” and booze for a “terrifying fit of anger” but the court heard it wasn’t the first time he’d attacked his former partner.
Police & Courts
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A Hervey Bay man, who threatened to light his ex-partner on fire and held a sword to her neck, has been sentenced.
Scott Robert Britton, 47, pleaded guilty in Maryborough District Court to six charges including assault causing bodily harm, enter premises and commit indictable offence, threats and common assault.
The court heard that on January 14, 2023, Britton in a “terrifying” fit of anger poured petrol on the floor of the garage he and the victim were residing in and threatened to light it on fire.
Only moments after this occurred, the former martial arts instructor held a sword up against the victim’s neck.
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Days after the incident committed another offence which resulted in his arrest and 239 days of imprisonment before this week’s sentencing.
The court heard the assault occasioning bodily harm charge related to an incident July 1, 2022 where Britton pushed the same victim over and threatened to slam a brick over her head, only being stopped by his mother who was with them.
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Britton’s lawyer William Prizeman said his client has been “significantly disadvantaged” from a young age when he was “neglected” by his parents and abused by a school principal.
He said Britton had made efforts behind bars to improve himself by becoming a “carer” for another inmate as well as accessing mental health programs.
Judge Michael Byrne noted Britton claimed to have been intoxicated by “benzos” (Benzodiazepine) and alcohol on the night of the attack.
He said “domestic violence is a complete blight on our society” and “people who do it need to be punished”.
Describing Brittons behaviour as “violent” and “dangerous” he sentenced him to three years imprisonment with a parole eligibility set for next month.
Convictions were recorded.
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