Greek man with weapon in bumbag headbutts stepson, comes off worse in Frankston family fight
A drunk man who headbutted his stepson before stumbling and breaking his collarbone has failed to convince police — and a magistrate — with his explanation for carrying a knife.
South East
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A sozzled stepfather who headbutted his stepson after a drunken row over a USB stick ended up much the worse for wear after he stumbled and broke his collarbone.
Not only did he receive shoulder, foot and ankle injuries after the altercation with the younger man, he was also pinged by police for carrying a weapon in his bumbag.
“I’m Greek, all Greeks carry knives”, he told police.
Niko Gouvoussis pleaded guilty to unlawful assault and weapons charges at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The 44-year-old, whose wife is the mother of the victim, had been at their Frankston home on October 27 this year when an argument began.
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Gouvoussis wanted to take a USB stick containing a movie to his mate’s place, but his wife didn’t want him to and they argued and she told him to leave.
He left but about an hour later returned, was told again to leave, and the stepson came to the door.
Gouvoussis then headbutted the 22-year-old, and air punches were thrown by both men before Gouvoussis stumbled and fell to the ground.
By this time neighbours had come to see what the commotion was, and police had been called. Gouvoussis left, hurling insults at the neighbours.
Police caught up with him five minutes down the road and he volunteered that he had a weapon in his bumbag.
He was arrested, but refused to answer any questions regarding the assault, only saying he carried a knife because that’s what Greek men do.
The victim didn’t receive any visible injuries while Gouvoussis suffered a broken collarbone, a foot injury and a torn ligament in his ankle.
In court his defence lawyer said the assault occurred because the stepson “was up in his (Gouvoussis) face” and he carried the knife because he was a painter and used it for cutting in.
He said Gouvoussis couldn’t remember saying the Greek men and knives comment, had never been to court before, and was starting a men’s behaviour change program early next year.
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Magistrate Fiona Stewart said she knew plenty of Greek men and that was not the case.
“He clearly needs to get some insight into his behaviour,” Ms Stewart said.
“Really, he’s the one who has come off second best.”
Gouvoussis, who is now living with his brother, was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to complete the men’s program. No conviction was recorded.