Stuart Walsh sentenced for domestic violence

A Dubbo man who repeatedly pulled his partner’s hair and assaulted her with a bottle opener has quit drinking spirits, a court has heard.

Stuart Walsh used a bottle opener to assault his partner in Dubbo. Picture: Facebook

A 27-year-old Dubbo man who assaulted his partner with a bottle opener had not been taking his ADHD medication, a court has heard.

Stuart William Walsh was convicted of one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of common assault when he appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday.

Walsh pleaded guilty to the charges last month.

The assaults took place after Walsh and his partner had an argument about his father.

According to court documents Walsh struck the woman’s eyebrow with a bottle opener, repeatedly grabbed her hair and pushed her against a wall.

Magistrate Gary Wilson said Walsh go to jail if he assaulted the woman again. Picture: Jedd Manning

Defence lawyer Joy Kirby told the court Walsh was angry and had been drinking spirits when he lashed out.

“He doesn’t always recall his conduct when he gets in an emotional state,” Ms Kirby said.

“He’s no longer drinking spirits, as he’s had a bad reaction.”

Ms Kirby said Walsh was placed on a bond in 2013 after he assaulted the same victim.

“He has a previous diagnosis of ADHD, but hasn’t taken medication since high school,” Ms Kirby said.

Walsh had attempted to see a psychiatrist and his partner believed he was remorseful, the court heard.

After seeking help from Lives Lived Well to reduce his alcohol consumption, Walsh enrolled in a Mission Australia anger management course, Ms Kirby said.

Magistrate Gary Wilson said Walsh would be jailed if he committed domestic violence offences again.

“I know you’ve taken some positive steps, but domestic violence matters are not tolerated,” magistrate Wilson said.

Walsh was placed on two community corrections orders for 18 months which require him to be of good behaviour.