Mason Richards: Lavington man allegedly broke victim’s eye socket in ‘unprovoked bashing’

A man accused of breaking his victim’s eye socket during a brutal “unprovoked bashing” in Albury has been granted bail.

Mason Richards.

A Lavington man has faced court after he allegedly broke his victim’s eye socket and fractured his shoulder during an “unprovoked bashing” in Albury.

Mason Richards, 20, appeared at Albury Local Court for a bail application on Friday via videolink after being charged with common assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

The court heard Mr Richards, in the company of a minor, attacked two men outside City Walk on Dean St about 12.20am on May 8.

Magistrate Richard Funston said he viewed the assaults as well above the mid-range of objective seriousness due to the prolonged nature of the attack, multiple strikes to the head, and kicks to the body.

One of Mr Richards’ alleged victims was left with a broken eye socket and fractured shoulder.

“The allegations against you are very serious,” Mr Funston said.

“They’re a serious unprovoked bashing of people at 12.30am in the morning.

“You are facing a jail sentence for these matters.”

Mr Richards was given a 12-month community corrections order for a separate assault in January.

Mr Richards’ defence solicitor Sascha McCorriston said her client’s charges were serious.

But she conceded they were in the mid-range and his young age should be taken into account.

“They are very serious allegations but he is a young man and there are prospects for rehabilitation,” Ms McCorriston said.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Coombs said bail was opposed due to concerns the alleged offender would continue to put the community’s safety at risk.

Mr Richards was granted bail under strict conditions including a curfew between 9pm and 6am, he is not to associate with his co-accused, must not drink or take drugs or enter a licensed premises.

“You’re not to go to the pub,” Mr Funston said.

Mr Richards will reappear in Albury Local Court on July 19.