Jervis Bay dentist Benjamin Spencer charged with destroying property

A south coast dentist has faced court after he smashed a dental articulator and quit during a heated workplace argument.

Benjamin Spencer leaving Nowra Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann.

A workplace argument turned violent after a south coast dentist smashed an articulator before quitting, a court has heard.

Benjamin Spencer, 29, from Lake Tabourie, faced Nowra Local Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to destroy or damage property.

Agreed police facts tendered to Nowra Local Court stated the argument between Spencer and a co-worker broke out at ‘Jervis Bay Smiles’.

Spencer’s lawyer said the argument was a result of “poor working conditions”.

“He had been sick of the conditions for a while now,” she said.

Agreed facts stated Spencer picked up a “dental model fitted to a device known as a articulator” and said“this is what I think of working here” before he threw it on the ground.

“The device smashed into multiple little pieces,” agreed facts stated.

Spencer then announced he “quit” before leaving the workplace.

Police attended the scene and spoke to witnesses, before viewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Benjamin Spencer appeared in Nowra Local Court. Picture: From file.

His lawyer said Spencer was an educated young man and knew he should not have committed the offence.

“This sort of behaviour is out of character,” she said.

Magistrate Lisa Viney recognised Spencer’s clean record and said “I know this item was low value and you have no criminal record”.

“I’m aware of the circumstances of how this incident took place, it was a breakdown in work relationships,” she said.

Ms Wolden asked the court for leniency and said conviction would be detrimental; something Mrs Viney did not oppose.

“He is in the early years of his career,” she said.

“We’re asking the court for leniency.”

Spencer was sentenced to a 12 month community corrections order with no conviction.