Melton drug user attacks girlfriend in front of police

A Melton ice addict has been dealt sage advice by a judge after he was warned to get his act together or wake up an old man in prison.

Michael Oberhauser, 33, pleaded guilty at the County Court to attacking his estranged girlfriend in June. Picture: ABCTV

A Melton thug who attacked his terrified ex-girlfriend in front of police while screaming that he loved her has been locked up.

Michael Oberhauser, 33, was told at the County Court at his sentencing hearing that if he didn’t get his life on track soon he could one day wake up an old man in prison.

Judge Michael Bourke told the court Oberhauser had been dating his victim for about nine months before she called things off in June last year.

But concerned about his mental and physical health, she still helped him attend appointments despite severing romantic ties.

The court heard Oberhauser, a daily user of ice, began to harass the woman with more than 60 missed calls and messages.

His obsession with the woman culminated in him turning up to her Melton South home on July 3 and screaming at her to let him in.

Frightened, the woman called police, but before they could arrive Oberhauser smashed his way through the front door and burst into the study where the woman was hiding while on the phone to 000.

When police arrived, they found Oberhauser with his hands around the woman’s neck and shoulders, and the court heard that throughout the assault he was heard screaming at the woman that he loved her.

“(Her) victim impact statement speaks of that fear and the aftermath of anxiety, loss of a sense of security,” Judge Bourke told the court.

“She intends leaving her home before you are released. She resents being placed in this situation.”

Judge Bourke told the court Oberhauser had a traumatic childhood and was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age.

Oberhauser also suffered mental health problems, but Judge Bourke said it was up to him to decide if he truly wanted to turn things around.

“You badly frightened a vulnerable person in her home, one for who you professed regard and affection. She had tried to help you in the preceding days,” Judge Bourke said.

“It’s very much in your hands. I don’t know whether you’ve reflected on it, you’re 33. I’ve seen cases of people who use drugs who just move in and out of jail, and if they survive it all they’ve served years and years over time and find themselves in custody as old men.”

Judge Bourke sentenced Oberhauser to nine months’ jail and a two-year community correction order.

He declared 208 days’ presentence detention time served.