Jacob Dolar pleads guilty at Grafton District Court to common assault

A concreter has been taken to task for “appalling behaviour” after punching a man in the head in an unprovoked attack outside a popular Coffs Harbour pub.

Grafton Courthouse. Picture: Adam Hourigan

A concreter has been taken to task for “appalling behaviour” after punching a man in the head in an unprovoked attack outside a popular Coffs Harbour pub.

Jacob Dolar, 26, appeared via audio visual link at Grafton District Court on March 17 when he pleaded guilty to common assault.

The Coffs Harbour man was seen standing outside the Toormina Hotel speaking with the victim about 10.05pm on April 24 in 2021, the court heard.

While speaking to the victim, Dolar became agitated, according to court documents.

“Dolar suddenly swung his left hand into the right side of the victim, striking him in the head,” police facts state.

This caused the victim to fall to the ground, hitting his head on a parked car in the process.

The Toormina Hotel.

“Dolar stood over the victim with his arms tensed by his sides,” facts state.

“At no time did the victim attempt to fight or move in a threatening manner.”

The victim regained his feet, and a witness intervened as a woman came close to Dolar and appeared to verbally abuse him before being pulled away.

Grafton court heard Dolar had served almost five months in custody on another matter.

Judge Jonathon Priestley SC said this was Dolar’s third offence of assault and that he had hit “a random stranger” in the head.

“It’s appalling behaviour,” Mr Priestley said.

“He has alcohol and anger issues which needs to be addressed, he needs counselling.”

Mr Priestley ended Dolar’s custody and sentenced him to a 12-month supervised community corrections order.