Leigh Anthony Blackman sentenced in court for sexual assault

A woman says she has suffered a ‘loss of self-worth’ after she was sexually assaulted by a man. Here’s what happened to him in court. *WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT*

A woman has suffered a ‘loss of self-worth’ after she was sexually assaulted by an Indigenous elder.

Leigh Anthony Blackman, 74, was sentenced in Rockhampton District Court on June 22.

Blackman had previously pleaded guilty on May 26 to one count each of sexual assault and common assault.

Crown Prosecutor Tiffany Lawrence said Blackman and the victim had previously met at the time of the sexual assault in 2020.

Blackman grabbed the victim from behind when he saw her one evening after a cultural event, the court heard.

Blackman touched the victim’s breast and groin area on the outside of her clothing.

The victim told Blackman to “knock it off” and he responded by latching onto her ear with his teeth, biting her but not breaking the skin.

Ms Lawrence said Blackman told the victim, “Yeah f---, I will stick my c--- in you, you b----. I am going to ring up your a-- which way I can.”

The victim released Blackman’s grip on her and told her son what had happened.

The victim’s son confronted Blackman, who denied the offending.

Police were called to attend and a complaint was made but Blackman was too drunk to be interviewed.

Blackman was charged the following month.

Ms Lawrence said from the victim impact statement, the offending had an ongoing impact on the victim.

Judge Jeff Clarke noted the victim had felt a “loss of self-worth”.

“She has suffered from heightened depression and anxiety,” Judge Clarke said.

“It has impacted her general health.

“She has suffered a series of serious ailments as well and she has had that sense of disruption that she should not have endured, especially when she is trying to enjoy activities and events to celebrate her Indigenous heritage and culture.”

Defence barrister Maree Willey said her client grew up in Bundaberg and was a great-grandfather and an Indigenous elder.

Ms Willey said her client was involved in cultural heritage work.

She said since the offence her client had “kept his head down” and assisted his family.

“He is someone who has given back to the community as an elder and has been heavily involved in his community and cultural heritage,” she said.

She said her client was married to his wife for 50 years until she died a couple of years ago.

“Since the passing of his wife he tries to remain active in the community and surround himself with family,” she said.

Judge Clarke said Blackman’s behaviour was “unexpected, unexplained and quite shameful”.

“You would think you are at that stage of your life where your actions clearly impact how others view you and what they think of you,” he said.

“No doubt you have destroyed any respect or sense of regard the victim or members of her family and members of your joint wider community would previously hold you in.

“This lady was entitled to feel safe in your company.”

Blackman was sentenced to nine months’ prison, suspended for 12 months.