Bizarre basher attacks jogger for her beanie, throws food, punches at Rye Woolworths worker
A thug with anger issues hit a female jogger in the back of the head in a bizarre attempted beanie theft, then flew off the handle in Woolies Rye during an attack that descended into a food fight.
South East
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A Tootgarook thug attacked a jogger and threw pies, eggs and punches at a supermarket worker in two acts of Rye rage, a court has heard.
Jason Dean Riches struck a random runner in the head from behind as she was talking on a phone, telling police he just wanted to “flick her beanie off”.
He also threw groceries at and punched the ear of a Woolworths worker in another fit of Peninsula pique.
The bizarre basher pleaded guilty to unlawful assault and bail breach charges at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The court heard a woman was jogging along Point Nepean Rd in Rye at around 8.45am on March 4 last year, chatting to a mate on her mobile.
When she came to the Hunt Ave intersection Riches ran up to her, hitting her from behind to the back of her head.
She stumbled forward and screamed out for help, with her hat falling off as Riches abused her in a mad rage.
He was picked up by police nearby but denied the assault, saying he only “tried to flick her beanie off”.
Then on August 19 this year at around 11am he went into Woolworths in Rye for some shopping.
He became aggressive and argued with a customer for no reason before a staff member was called to diffuse the situation.
The worker asked Riches to leave but he instead threw a box of eggs, a pack of pies and some matches at the supermarket attendant.
The assistant followed him outside before an irate Riches turned around and punched him to his ear.
Police attended and had to use capsicum spray to subdue the highly aggressive assaulter.
He was on bail at the time for the previous jogger attack and was remanded in custody.
In court his defence lawyer said Riches had serious mental health issues and an acquired brain injury from a motorbike accident.
She said he required medical support and should be sent to a hospital for an inpatient assessment.
Magistrate Vicky Prapas told Riches he needed assistance to combat his violent urges.
“Go to hospital, get some help, get some treatment,” Ms Prapas said.
“I need you to do your best to stay out of trouble.
“It is most important you don’t pose a risk to the community, hopefully things will stabilise for you.”
She bailed Riches on condition he is taken by ambulance for an inpatient hospital assessment and if, or when he is released, he returns to his Tootgarook home.
He will be sentenced on December 7.
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