Henry Brayshaw promises good behaviour after drug-fuelled NYE rampage
The son of sports personality James Brayshaw punched a man, tore off a windscreen wiper and ripped a garden light out during a bizarre New Year’s Eve incident in Portsea. Now his lawyer has finally explained why.
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The son of sports personality James Brayshaw has promised to behave himself for a year to avoid conviction over a drug-fuelled rampage at a New Year’s Eve party.
Henry Brayshaw, 22, appearing in the Frankston Magistrates Court, said his dreams of becoming a primary school teacher would be shattered if he had a criminal record.
The court heard the Geelong Grammar graduate was high on magic mushrooms when he was harassing a young woman and refused to leave the celebrations at the Portsea property in the early hours of January 1.
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The wannabe teacher then punched the property owner, Toorak-based RT Edgar real estate director Jeremy Fox, when he tried to march him out the front door.
When outside, Brayshaw’s onslaught continued, and he was captured on footage, ripping a light from the garden and hurling it at Mr Fox, hitting him in the nose.
Mr Fox then chased him down the street where Brayshaw tore a windscreen wiper off a neighbour’s car and threatened the father with it.
Mr Fox has told the Herald Sun of his disappointment at the punishment handed down to his attacker.
“It’s ridiculous,” Mr Fox said.
“In my opinion he got off very lightly. He’s the luckiest boy I know.
“You get fined more for speeding down High St without your seatbelt on.
“His behaviour that night was shocking. He frightened my whole family.”
Brayshaw, from Sandringham, had hoped to be dealt with by diversion to have the charges wiped from his record, but the prosecution found him unsuitable.
He sat in the front row supported by his mother Sarah, as he pleaded guilty to recklessly cause injury, criminal damage and drug possession.
Defence lawyer Chris Triscott detailed how his clients’s life fell off the rails due to a cocaine habit in the second half of last year.
Mr Triscott said Brayshaw had tried to check himself in to Malvern private hospital for drug treatment in December but no bed was available.
Three days after the NYE incident, a bed became available and he underwent five weeks rehabilitation. He continued treatment as an outpatient for another four weeks on his release, he said.
Before this incident Brayshaw had an “uneventful life”, Mr Triscott said, graduating with good academic results. He said he has deferred his teaching degree at Swinburne University until next year so he can concentrate on his drug problems.
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Brayshaw’s father, a cricketer turned sports commentator, who famously hosted the Footy Show alongside Garry Lyon, did not attend court but vouched for his son in a tendered character reference which was not publicly released.
Mr Triscott urged Magistrate Tim Gattuso to give Brayshaw the opportunity on an adjourned undertaking given his age, lack of priors and the impact a conviction could have on his future.
The prosecution did not push for an alternative punishment.
Mr Gattuso said he was “ultimately persuaded” by Mr Triscott’s submissions.
“That is a course I’d rarely take on a charge of recklessly cause injury,” he said, but added it was clearly on the “lowest” end of the scale.
“This is no doubt a night you will regret,” Mr Gattuso told Brayshaw.
“You no doubt made a significant nuisance of yourself.
“I’m giving you this opportunity. Please ensure you continue your treatment.”
Mr Gattuso ordered he be on good behaviour for 12 months and pay $750 to the court fund.
He was warned if he offended further he would be re-sentenced for his crimes.