Jamal Roberts sentenced at Ballina Local Court after smacking mate during dispute, breaking his jaw in two places

A Northern Rivers man in court after backhanding a mate so hard he broke his jaw told police “the victim was speaking disrespectfully to him about his culture”.

Jamal Roberts outside the Ballina Court after he was sentenced for assault.

A Northern Rivers man in court after backhanding a mate so hard he fractured his jaw in two places told police “the victim was speaking disrespectfully to him about his culture”.

Lismore man Jamal Roberts, 28, was sentenced in Ballina Local Court after the attack at a Ballina pub.

He pleaded guilty to the assault causing actual bodily harm of the victim about 1am on March 16 last year.

Roberts and his friend had been drinking at Henry Rous Tavern and were in the car park, the court heard.on Thursday

Henry Rous Tavern on River St, Ballina. Picture: Google.

Roberts was sitting in the passenger seat of a car when a dispute took place between him and the victim.

“The victim was drunk and trying to engage in a conversation. Roberts believed the victim was speaking disrespectfully to him about his culture,” police state in court documents.

The friend tried to de-escalate, but Roberts hopped out of the car.

“Roberts hit the victim once to the side of the face with an open backhand knocking him to the ground,” police state.

The victim fled to Ramada Hotel Ballina on River St.

“The victim immediately feared for his safety … he fled the location running towards the Ramada Hotel Ballina on River St, where he took refuge.

“He inspected his injuries in the hotel room and cleaned himself up before calling his relatives for assistance.”

The victim went to the hotel’s reception and staff called for an ambulance.

He was taken to Ballina District Hospital and needed surgery on his jaw.

The victim approached police a few days later and they sought records of his injuries before proceeding.

Defence lawyer Leyla Roberts said Roberts did not realise the strike would have such a serious outcome. She said the men were on good terms at the moment.

“The man said some nasty things to him before the event,” she told the court.

“Roberts has since apologised and they are friends again.

“He is remorseful, describes himself as a good worker and he is drinking less because he wants to focus on work and family.”

Magistrate Karen Stafford said assaults can have long-lasting physical and mental impacts.

Magistrate Karen Stafford told the court Roberts entered a late plea on the day of hearing and he was lucky the victim did not suffer ongoing physical issues.

“The court knows for people who are bashed, it stays with them for a long time,” she said.

“I accept you lost your self-control when you felt he was disrespecting your culture – but you have a previous violent record.”

Still, Ms Stafford said: “You’re a hardworking family man involved in the local community.”

Ms Stafford convicted Roberts and sentenced him to a two-year community correction order.