76-year-old Stephen James Reynolds sentenced for assault at Shannon’s car wash
A former Vietnam soldier who “snapped” at a Townsville City car wash employee has been sentenced for the brazen assault.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Vietnam soldier told a court he doesn’t know why he snapped when he brutally punched a car wash employee multiple times.
Stephen James Reynolds pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday for the “unprovoked” assault of a man unknown to him at Shannon’s Car Wash.
On October 24 last year, the 76-year-old walked up to a man and asked him for help, the court was told.
Police prosecutor Sam Stewart said Reynolds “clearly snapped”, and he became aggressive with the man and punched him multiple times in the face and head causing a blood nose.
The assault continued until the victim fled into the office.
“It was a senseless act of violence in a public place,” Mr Stewart said.
He also told the court the man’s criminal history was “unblemished”.
Defence lawyer Murray Bower submitted a letter of apology on Reynolds behalf, which outlined his personal history and was read aloud by Magistrate Viviana Keegan.
“You have never been aggressive to people and have since gone back and apologised for your conduct,” it read.
“You fought in Vietnam and later in life were diagnosed with PTSD with what happened in Vietnam and have received treatment since then.”
Her Honour described it an “unusual case” given the man’s lack of criminal history.
“This man was at work, it was unprovoked and while it’s out of character, there’s no explanation how you would have reacted that way,” she said.
“You are clearly remorseful.”
Reynolds pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was sentenced to a good behaviour bond of $600 for six months and ordered to pay a compensation sum of $500 to the victim. No conviction was recorded.
More Coverage
Originally published as 76-year-old Stephen James Reynolds sentenced for assault at Shannon’s car wash
‘Little enterprise’: A mum, a dad, and a 6.9 tonne copper stash
An underground copper operation which resold over $65,000 worth of stolen copper has been unearthed in Townsville - and the mum and dad behind it have finally been named.
Locals applaud modern transformation of historic NQ pub
First built in 1892, a historic NQ pub is wowing locals and visitors after its four-month, multimillion-dollar transformation. Check out the before and after pics.