Alcoholic who picked fights with strangers, bouncers and his own mum jailed for two months

A SELF-confessed alcoholic who smashed up a stranger’s house in a mistaken identity “revenge attack” and also picked fights with bouncers and his own mum has been jailed for two months.

The court heard alcohol problems ran in the accused’s family. File photo

A SELF-CONFESSED alcoholic involved in a series of fights with strangers, bouncers and his own mother has been given jail time.

Joel Warner, 32 of Parkdale, pleaded guilty to a raft of charges relating to assaults, criminal damage, weapons and drunk and disorderly conduct at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on January 10.

The court heard Warner acknowledged he had a drinking problem, but still went on binges.

In October, while heavily intoxicated, he went to a Parkdale property and tried to get inside.

The homeowner told Warner to leave; he did, grabbing a large garden stake and smashing a letterbox, fence and car windows.

The house actually belonged to a complete stranger who had never met him; Warner erroneously thought it was the address of someone who had attacked him in the street a few days earlier.

A neighbour had heard the commotion and videoed the incident.

Police officers recognised Warner and arrested him a short time later in Mentone.

In July Warner had been on a booze bender at Dingley International Hotel and became aggressive, leading to him being thrown out.

He produced two metal rods from his backpack and threatened to stab security staff, resulting in a scuffle.

Bystanders intervened, police were called and he was arrested.

In December Warner, again in an inebriated state, went to his mother’s Parkdale house, became angry and used a skateboard to smash up her car.

He was arrested; this time he was so out of it on prescription drugs and alcohol he had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

His defence lawyer said a concoction of medication and alcohol were the main elements of all his offending.

He said Warner’s father was a violent drinker, and “alcohol (problems) can run in the family”.

Magistrate Charles Tan said he must know he needed to stay clear of alcohol, otherwise he would be back before court time and again.

Warner was sentenced to two months jail, minus 34 days already served, and must complete an extended community corrections order involving alcohol and anger management counselling.