Robert James Baker jailed over his part in wild Pooraka assault on couple, along with two others

A drug-affected thug who joined his mates in a wild attack on an innocent couple over a noise complaint has been packed off to prison.

Under the influence of Xanax and MDMA, “horrible” drug-affected thug – together with two others – forced his way into a Pooraka family’s home and threatened to kill an innocent couple over a noise complaint, a court has heard.

Robert James Baker, 32, appeared in the District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated cause harm with intent and aggravated threatening life. His two co-offenders, Benjamin Nesbitt and Mark Mumford, were both jailed last November.

Judge Muscat acknowledged Baker “willingly involved” himself in the brutal attack. Pictures: Facebook

Judge Paul Muscat submitted the attack had been instigated by Nesbitt after his neighbour told him to turn down his music, but noted Baker “willingly involved” himself in the subsequent bashing.

“You did not have to participate. In fact, it was not even your issue with the neighbour,” Judge Muscat said.

“On the night of the offending you had consumed 10 Xanax tablets and also an amount of MDMA. The combination of these drugs contributed to your very bad behaviour.

“You have written what I consider to be a very honest, genuine and sincere letter of apology to the victims. You have stated: ‘My actions that night are inexcusable. I was a horrible drug-affected thug that caused absolute anguish for the both of you’.”

On the night of October 5, 2023, the court heard Nesbitt “rounded up” three others after an earlier altercation with his neighbour and “smashed” their way into the home.

Once inside, the attackers threatened the neighbour with a knife and beat him, while his partner had a knife “wiped across her face”.

Mark John Mumford was previously jailed over the attack. Pictures: Facebook

Baker’s mate Benjamin Thomas Nesbitt also attacked the neighbouring couple. Picture: Facebook

During Nesbitt’s sentencing last year, the court heard the female victim was 12 weeks pregnant at the time of the attack.

On Wednesday, Judge Muscat sentenced Baker to three years and four months jail, 18 months non-parole.

“Mr Baker, despite what you did that night, you are a better man than your behaviour demonstrated,” he said.

“You have not sought to downplay the seriousness of your conduct or the impact the offending has had upon the victims – quite to the contrary, you have accepted total responsibility for your role in the outrageous offending behaviour that night.”

Baker’s sentence was backdated to October 5, 2023, when he was first taken into custody.

Originally published as Robert James Baker jailed over his part in wild Pooraka assault on couple, along with two others