North Coast man Jonathan David Pitt pleads guilty to vicious attack on teen outside Byron Bay pub
A West Ballina man who glassed a 17-year-old boy then punched him in the face outside a Byron Bay pub could face a full-time jail sentence according to police.
Lismore
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A West Ballina man who glassed a 17-year-old boy then punched him in the face outside a Byron Bay pub could face a full-time jail sentence according to police.
Jonathan David Pitt, 29, appeared before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to common assault, and reckless grievous bodily harm. A further count of common assault was dropped.
Defence solicitor Rod Behan told the court Pitt lives with his family helping his mother care for his disabled brother.
The court heard about 3am on September 16, 2023, Pitt attacked the teenager with a glass bottle and followed up with a punch outside a licensed premises at Johnston St in the Byron CBD.
Court documents state Pitt fled the area while the boy was taken to Byron Central Hospital to be treated for facial injuries.
Police set up a crime scene, locating and arresting Pitt the following day.
Prosecutor Natalie Lima told the court the offence was of a violent nature and the victim sustained a large laceration to his cheek that needed surgery.
In the court documents, police stated: “If he is convicted it’s likely he will receive full-time jail.”
The court heard Pitt wants to attend a men’s group to sort out his problems with alcohol and has recently begun an apprenticeship.
Mr Priestley requested a sentencing assessment report and ordered counsel to serve material relied upon by no later than April 2, 2025.
Pitt, who is on bail, is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in Lismore District court on April 9 in the new year.
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