Jakob Woodward faces Grafton court for assault after attacking man in Grafton Shopping World Dan Murphy’s

A truck driver lashed out when he spotted his partner’s ex buying booze at a Grafton Dan Murphy’s on Christmas Eve. Here’s how the courts dealt with him.

Jakob Woodward, 24, punched the other man in a Grafton Dan Murphy’s shop.

An Ulmarra truck driver punched his partner’s ex while he was buying booze at Dan Murphy’s on Christmas Eve, believing he was being given “attitude”.

Jakob Woodward, 24, faced Grafton Local Court on Monday, pleading guilty to common assault at the chain bottle shop in Grafton Shopping World.

Woodward spotted the other man buying alcohol and reacted to a look he was given, according to police facts.

He approached the victim, grabbed him with one hand and punched him with the other, hitting the man in the face and causing him to fall to the floor.

Woodward then left the shop.

Staff witnessed the incident, which was also captured on CCTV.

Dan Murphys in Grafton Shopping World, where the incident took place.

Woodward claimed to officers the victim had been abusive to his girlfriend – and said the victim's “attitude” toward him caused the assault, police facts reveal.

The two argued over social media after the victim did not pay an outstanding phone bill in Woodward’s partner’s name.

Defence lawyer Joe Fahey said Woodward spotted a “smirk”, which prompted the violence.

“His emotions got the better of him,” he said.

Woodward’s partner had received “unsavoury texts” from the ex – to the point where she considered an AVO against him, the court heard.

Mr Fahey said it was an unusual response for Woodward, who had prior history of violence.

“He is otherwise calm and collected and wishes he could take it back,” he said.

Magistrate Juliana Crofts said the incident was entirely avoidable and reiterated that “a smirk set off a chain of events”.

“What has he done to ensure this won‘t happen again? In case there’s another smirk or something that sets him off?” she asked.

Jakob Woodward leaving Grafton Local Court.

Mr Fahey said Woodward would consider anger management counselling.

Ms Crofts took Woodward’s young age into consideration, but said matters of assault had to be taken seriously to deter others.

“He appears nonviolent in nature, so I’m confident he would comply and learn from a community based order,” she said.

Woodward’s defence tendered several positive character references and said he was well regarded in the community.

“You’ve let yourself down by allowing this to get to you,” Ms Crofts said.

A humbled and well-dressed Woodward agreed.

He was convicted and sentenced to serve a conditional release order for 18 months.

An AVO was put in place for two years.

Originally published as Jakob Woodward faces Grafton court for assault after attacking man in Grafton Shopping World Dan Murphy’s