Garry Jacques: Bondi graphic designer in drunken DV offence
A top eastern suburbs graphic designer split his girlfriend’s head open when he threw a plate at her during a drunken fight. A court heard the incident followed a night of drinking at The Clovelly Hotel.
Wentworth Courier
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A prominent eastern suburbs graphic designer with an international client base of well known brands has been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend of six years by throwing a plate which split her head open.
Garry Jacques, 45, appeared before Waverley Local Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one charge of assault occasioning which occurred after a drunken night out at The Clovelly Hotel.
The court heard Jacques, his partner who works in the fashion industry, and a female witness were all drinking at the pub on June 25 before heading back to the Clovelly home then shared by the couple.
Jacques lawyer said the couple, whose relationship he described as “up in the air”, began having a verbal argument which escalated to a food fight and finally the throwing of ceramic plates.
“There was a verbal argument followed by the victim throwing a plate. Mr Jacques did the same, unfortunately making contact with her,” his lawyer told the court.
Magistrate Ross Hudson read from the police fact sheet which described the victim’s injury as a “laceration” from which “blood immediately started to pool”.
“She missed me then I threw it back and it clocked her on the head,” Magistrate Hudson read aloud from the police fact sheet.
While the friend provided first aid, it was a neighbour who overheard the commotion and called police, the court heard.
Magistrate Hudson said while he didn’t believe the offence warranted a jail term, it was domestic violence and he still took it seriously.
“I know you say in your reference, ‘I felt a sense I was provoked … the plate was thrown at me and I responded to that’,” Magistrate Hudson said.
“If you don’t respond, you’re not here. You control your actions.”
Magistrate Hudson noted Mr Jacques had mid and high range drink driving matters on his record.
“You have to know by now alcohol consumption is a problem for you,” Magistrate Hudson said.
“Many of the people in this courtroom become the Jekyll and the Hyde.
“I’m not going to label you sir, but based on your record you change when you consume alcohol.”
Jacques, who now lives at North Bondi, was sentenced to a two year Community Correction Order with supervision.
He was convicted and fined $500.
Mr Jacques is originally from the UK and his LinkedIn states he has more than 20 years experience in Branding, Design, Advertising, Production and Post Production.
His website states he has worked on advertising projects for the likes of Sony, Bonds, Cadbury, Hyundai and Toyota.