Merbein man Lucas Mitchell jailed for vicious $35 assault where he bashed and choked woman

A Merbein man bashed a woman who suffered from a spinal injury over a paltry $35 before stopping her from leaving or calling police, a court has heard.

Lucas Mitchell brutally assaulted a woman In Merbein. Picture: istock

A Merbein thug launched a violent attack on a woman all over $35, before stopping her from leaving or calling police, a court has heard.

Lucas Mitchell, 44, fronted Koori Court in Mildura on charges including aggravated intentionally causing injury related to a brutal assault of a woman who suffered from a spinal injury.

The court heard in April of this year Mitchell got into a heated argument with a woman over $35, where he initially began by threatening her before he punched her in the face several times, knocking one of her teeth loose.

He then punched her in the jaw and choked her before pulling out a knife and threatening to stab the victim.

Mitchell dragged the woman along the floor and threw her on a bed, continuing to wave the knife menacingly at her.

Lucas Mitchell brutally bashed a woman after a dispute over $35. Picture: Generic

Following the assault, he took the victim’s phone off of her and refused to let her leave the house, dragging her away from exits when she tried to leave.

The victim managed to gain permission to leave from Mitchell when she said she had been paid and needed to go to the shops.

When police and arrested Mitchell on April 14, he was found with cannabis, methamphetamine and MDMA in his possession, along with a pair of scissors.

During his police interview, he admitted he was scattered on ice when the assault occurred and made full admissions to possessing the drugs.

Mitchell’s lawyer Sasha Leon Molina told the court Mitchell’s traumatic upbringing had fuelled a lifelong battle with drugs and booze.

Mitchell was found in possession of multiple drugs when he was arrested on April 14. Picture: Generic

Mitchell broke down in tears when details of his traumatic upbringing were brought up in court.

Indigenous Elder Aunty Kathy Potter tore into Mitchell for his behaviour and implored him to get off the drugs and sort his life out.

“What gives you the right to put your hands on a woman? Tell me?” Ms Potter said.

Police prosecutor Kristen Simm urged the court to send a strong message both to Mitchell and the community that this kind of behaviour would result in jail time.

Magistrate Patrick Southey handed Mitchell a minimum jail sentence of 12 months.

Magistrate Patrick Southey handed Mitchell a minimum of 12 months behind bars with a top of 18 months with 23 days reckoned as time served.