Scott Michael Antrobus jailed for ‘inexplicable’ random attack on woman in Rundle Mall

A man has been jailed for attacking a complete stranger in the heart of the CBD – and the reason for the crime has been revealed.

A meth-fuelled, mentally ill serial offender who made the “inexplicable decision” to assault a complete stranger in Rundle Mall remains “a danger to the community” so long as he uses drugs, a magistrate says.

On Friday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court jailed Scott Michael Antrobus for 11 months and six days, ordering he serve at least eight months in custody.

In sentencing, Magistrate John Clover said Antrobus’ actions “undermined the public’s confidence in the safety” of the shopping precinct, and had long lasting impacts upon the victim and her nine-year-old daughter.

“You made the inexplicable decision to assault the victim (who) suffers ongoing headaches and feels anxious in public … the daughter struggles to be away from her mother and feels unsafe in public,” he said.

Scott Antrobus pleaded guilty to assaulting a mother in Rundle Mall. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

The extraordinary moment a good Samaritan used his hip and shoulder to knock down Antrobus following the attack in Rundle Mall. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

“There’s a very real risk you will resume using methylamphetamine and commit similar offences as a result … when you use meth, you are a danger to the community.”

Upon his release, Antrobus will be subject to a supervised 18-month good behaviour bond.

Antrobus, 38, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, as well as multiple breaches of bail, theft and drugs charges.

The assault occurred in March, and Antrobus was stopped by a good Samaritan, then attempted to resist SA Police during his arrest.

In May, the court heard Antrobus’ prior criminal history spans 38 pages of court records.

It also heard he was experiencing chronic homelessness at the time, and had relapsed back into drug use after being released from custody four months earlier.

The court was told he has schizophrenia, however still knew right from wrong and had no mental impairment defence to the charges.

On Friday, Mr Clover urged Antrobus to take advantage of treatment and counselling upon his release, and to abstain from drugs.

Originally published as Scott Michael Antrobus jailed for ‘inexplicable’ random attack on woman in Rundle Mall