Caringbah butcher Bryan Hawes sentenced for domestic violence charges

A butcher of 30 years used a character reference from the Sutherland Shire mayor in court after he admitted to assaulting and intimidating his former partner. Hear the graphic and offensive conversation.

A “well respected” butcher of 30 years used a character reference from the Sutherland Shire mayor to plead for leniency after an “abusive, demeaning, and offensive” conversation with his former partner was played in court.

Bryan Hawes, 57, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced for domestic violence charges of common assault and intimidation.

Agreed facts tendered to court said Hawes, who used to own a store called Meat Perfection in Caringbah South, became abusive on April 4, 2021 when he accused his then partner of having an affair.

He claimed phone records proved she was with a friend at Beverly Hills, and Hawes’ anger prompted the woman to record the conversation on her phone and hide it in her handbag.

The court heard Hawes said, “f--- you c---. You’re rooting each other.

He also said “I’m gonna smash ya f-----g head in” while he harshly punched the bed she was laying on.

He called her demeaning names such as “prostitute” and said “f--- off you lying piece of s---”.

Hawes kicked the woman’s bag before she left their Caringbah South house.

The long-term relationship ended in September 2021.

The woman attended counselling where she was encouraged to report the allegations of domestic violence to the police, which she did in February 2022 before police arrested Hawes at Meat Perfection Milperra.

Bryan Hawes was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday.

The common assault charge related to an incident on April 25, 2017 when Hawes and his partner were at Taren Point Bowling Club.

Hawes became angry and jealous when his partner was speaking to an old school friend who was also an ex-boyfriend.

At one point the woman inadvertently touched arms with the man and Hawes took photos and later sent it to her saying “this is your behaviour”.

Once outside, Hawes pushed the woman’s shoulder and caused her phone which was against her ear to hit her head and cause a burning sensation and pain.

In court, defence barrister Matthew Johnston conceded the audio played to the court showed his client’s language was “abusive, demeaning, intimidating and offensive” but noted the threat of violence was a “one off”.

Mr Johnston said his client admitted to having jealousy and anger management issues and had sought psychological counselling and the treatment was ongoing.

“He has a willingness to change his behaviour and become a better person,” Mr Johnston said.

Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce gave a character reference to his friend Hawes who he has known for 10 years. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Picture” Britta Campion / The Australian.

The barrister said Hawes, who now lives in Burraneer, had spoken to friends, including the Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce, to disclose the offences where he acknowledged his crimes and they gave him character references to be used in court.

The court heard Hawes was “held in high regard” by members of the community and he had contributed physically and financially to charities, adding he had worked hard as a butcher for 30 years.

Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said Hawes came to him to ask for a character reference and he denied all allegations.

“I’ve known Bryan and his former partner for 10 years and when in my presence they were always in good stead,” he said.

“I gave a character reference where in it I commented that it surprised me the charges had been placed on Bryan.

“Knowing them both, I never saw that side of Bryan and I only gave comment and the character reference to the best of my knowledge.

“If he did anything untoward I would not have given him a character reference.

“If he has committed those crimes then the full force of the law should be actioned on him.”

Cr Pesce has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

The court also heard Hawes, who was supported in court by his new partner, had no prior criminal history, was remorseful and took responsibility for his crimes.

Mr Johnston asked Magistrate Phillip Stewart to not convict his client.

However Mr Stewart noted that domestic violence offences were a “scourge and blight” on society and the harm caused to the victim needed to be recognised.

Hawes was convicted of both charges, and placed on a community correction order where he must be of good behaviour for 18 months; undertake anger management and domestic violence counselling and pay a $750 fine.