Geelong man Jason Steinert in court for assaulting woman over dog

A Geelong man who became involved in a “push and shove” over who got to keep a dog has faced court.

A Geelong man ended up in court after an argument over who got to keep a dog turned violent, a court was told.

Jason Steinert, 43, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court to unlawful assault on Monday afternoon.

The court heard Steinert showed up at a woman’s house in January this year with a co-accused and another male to pick up the dog.

When the co-accused allegedly got physical with the woman, Steinhart became involved in a “push and shove” and eventually left the house with the dog in tow. No one suffered any serious injuries.

Steinhert’s lawyer said his client had asked the woman for the dog back weeks prior but was told she was “emotionally attached”.

Jason Steinert ended up in court after an argument over a dog became physical. Picture: Facebook.

“He tried to resolve it amicably and tried to get the police involved to no avail … he also contacted the council because the dog was registered in his name but they wouldn’t assist either,” he said.

“He felt there was no other option but to go and get the dog himself.”

Magistrate Simon Guthrie told Steinert there was “simply no excuse for this type of behaviour” but acknowledged the accused man had enrolled in anger management courses since the offending.

“You’ve taken steps to address anger management issues and I encourage you to continue to do so,” Mr Guthrie said.

Mr Guthrie also referred to the death of surfing legend Chris Davidson who died over the weekend from a one-punch assault.

“(Think of) how a pro-surfer was killed over a one punch this morning or overnight. One punch means dead and there are different charges that follows,” Mr Guthrie cautioned Steinert.

Steinert was convicted and fined but placed on an adjourned undertaking, meaning he must stay out of trouble for the next 12 months or risk being resentenced.

Originally published as Geelong man Jason Steinert in court for assaulting woman over dog