Mildura Magistrates’ Court: Neil Wyld pleads guilty to unlawful assault

A Mildura man claims a change in medication is behind his attack on two family members, but a magistrate says it is all down to his battle with the bottle.

A Mildura man who assaulted two of his family members in a drunken altercation has blamed his offending on a change in medication.

Neil Wyld, 45, pleaded guilty in Mildura Magistrates’ Court on November 20 to two charges of unlawful assault against family members.

On September 17, a drunken Wyld crossed the street to his mum’s house and entered the front yard where multiple members of his family were talking

The court heard Wyld assaulted two other family members, pushing one into a fence and punching another in the head multiple times.

He was later arrested and interviewed, where he told police he “didn’t remember anything that happened that night”.

Neil Wyld, 45, pleaded guilty in Mildura Court after assaulting two family members in a booze-driven attack in September.

In court on Monday, Wyld’s lawyer Sasha Tuliakiono said Wyld had been changing medication at the time of the assault.

“Clearly there are some issues between this family, making it difficult when they reside opposite each other,” she said.

“Mr Wyld suffers from depression and anxiety, and was undergoing a medication adjustment at the time of the offending.”

Magistrate Patrick Southey said these claims were “probably rubbish”.

“It’s the drinking alcohol that has altered his judgment,” he said.

“This is just five weeks after I gave him an unambiguous warning that he is close to jail.

“He paid no attention to a word I said.”

Mr Southey said that despite his warning, going from bond to prison time was a “big jump”.

“There are clearly issues here that could be addressed by a community corrections order” he said.

“Alcohol and mental health assistance is a must.”

Mr Southey ordered Wyld to be assessed for a corrections order, but suggested Wyld move away from his family.

“It’s not their fault you can’t drink and control yourself,” he said.

“It’s not ideal and it’s not easy – the best way for you to stay out of trouble is if you stay sober.”

Wyld left court to be assessed for a corrections order and will return at a later date for sentencing.