Dion Bridge-Johnson, Ashley Mansfield, Joshua Caulfield, Daniel Russell accused of Coffs Harbour assault

The four men accused of the brutal bashing on a Coffs Harbour street late last year have had their matters heard again in court. See what the next step is in the case that shocked the community.

The four young men accused of a brutal assault on a Coffs harbour street on November 28 last year have had their case mentioned again in local court.

The four young men accused of a brutal bashing on a Coffs Harbour street late last year have had their cases adjourned.

Dion Bridge-Johnson, 22, Ashley Mansfield, 26, Joshua Caulfield, 23 and Daniel Russell, 20, are facing charges in relation to the assault of a 46-year-old Coffs Harbour man.

Their matters were all mentioned in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday, March 29.

Police allege the man was approached by the group before being punched repeatedly until he fell to the ground. He was then allegedly stomped on while unconscious.

Police were called to the scene at Bonville Street about 4am on November 28, where they found the man unconscious with serious injuries.

The alleged victim was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital in a critical condition but a few days later was reported to be “stable”.

His injuries included facial fractures and an internal brain injury, according to court documents.

The court heard in February that the alleged victim’s injuries were no longer life threatening.

That fact formed the bail application for Dion Bridge-Johnson when he appeared in court in February.

Returned to the scene and ‘handed himself in’

Dion Bridge-Johnson is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent; assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

Mr Bridge-Johnson was remanded in custody at Clarence Correctional Facility after the incident and appeared via audio visual link on February 14 where he applied for bail as his mother and another supporter looked on.

The court heard in November last year that Mr Bridge-Johnson returned to the scene of the alleged assault and handed himself in to police.

He was the first to be arrested.

Police allege a 46-year-old man was approached by the four men before being punched repeatedly until he fell to the ground on Bonville Street.

His lawyer successfully argued he should be granted bail to live at his mother’s house in Sawtell.

He must report to the Coffs Harbour Police Station seven days a week and abide by a curfew and abstain from alcohol and drugs, not attend any licensed venues and not contact any of the co-accused.

His mother wiped away tears as she realised her son would be granted bail on February 14.

On March 29 Mr Bridge-Johnson had his bail extended and varied to include the stipulation to not go near or contact; or try to go near or contact (except through a legal representative) any prosecution witness.

His matters are listed for committal on May 10.

On bail since December

The youngest of the four, Daniel Neil Russell, is currently out on bail living with family at Urunga.

He has been on bail since December 21.

When his case appeared before court last week his bail was continued and the matter listed for committal on May 10.

Daniel Russell leaves court at Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, February 15.

He is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent; assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

Cleaner and father of six in town to see his children

Ashley Mansfield who, the court heard in November, was a cleaner and father of six children also had his case back before court on March 29.

Mr Mansfield had been living with family members in Inverell to get a fresh start but was in Coffs Harbour at the time of the alleged assault to see his children.

He is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; affray; and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal).

The court had previously heard he had a history of substance abuse, mainly methamphetamines, and had attended rehabilitation at Adele House and had abstained from narcotics for the 10 months prior to the incident.

He has been refused bail and his matter listed for committal on May 10.

Worked at the racetrack

Joshua Caulfield is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent; assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

In November last year when the matter first came before the court it was heard that Mr Caulfield, who was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, worked at the Coffs Harbour Racetrack and had a six-year-old daughter who he had custody of on weekends.

He has been refused bail and his matter listed for committal on May 10.