Ipswich landscaper Michael Bradley Monsell-Bell sentenced for assault occasioning bodily harm

A local tradie has faced sentence for unprovoked and “cowardly” attack on a man in front of multiple police officers, in what a court heard was an attempt to “take matters into his own hands”.

Michael Bradley Monsell-Bell, 21, leaves Ipswich Court on January 9, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

A young father “took matters into his own hands” and attacked another man “without excuse” and in front of multiple police officers who already had control of the incident, a court has heard.

Leichhardt landscaper Michael Bradley Monsell-Bell, 21, pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on January 9 to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

The offence was committed on September 2, 2023, in Bellbird Park.

Police body-worn camera footage played in court showed officers walking through a residential area with the victim.

Monsell-Bell could be seen standing in the background, but as they neared closer to him, he lunged out at the victim.

He struck him in the jaw with a single full-body punch before police intervened.

The victim’s skin was split on his chin as a result, causing him to bleed.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Trent Voigt labelled the assault as a “cowardly surprise punch”.

“There may have been some connection with an earlier dispute between the parties,” he noted.

“But at that particular instant police clearly had control of the situation - there was nothing the complainant was doing that was threatening.”

“It was unprovoked without any excuse whatsoever, and it was done in contempt of the authority of police.”

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella agreed: “When police come to these types of incidents, people must defer to them, allow them to take the matter into their own hands and to make determinations - not to take matters into their own hands”.

The court heard Monsell-Bell had just one entry on his criminal history for possessing dangerous drugs, for which he was fined.

Defence lawyer Paddy O’Donnell said his client was a young father of two children.

He would be turning 22 tomorrow, January 10.

Mr O’Donnell said Monsell-Bell knew his actions were “appalling” and “cowardly”.

Mr Kinsella said Monsell-Bell’s letter of apology acknowledged he may be dealing with some undiagnosed mental health issues.

He encouraged Monsell-Bell to take steps to address those issues, noting rehabilitation was a significant factor for young offenders.

Monsell-Bell was sentenced to six months jail, with immediate release on parole.