Seth Deegan Hubbard’s appeal dismissed after multiple acts of violence

A man has tried to argue six months in jail is “excessive” after he committed a heinous act with a pet rabbit.

A violent thug killed a pet rabbit after he hit his partner with it so hard that its blood splattered on the walls, a court heard.

Seth Deegan Hubbard, 20, tried to argue six months in jail was “manifestly excessive”, despite multiple acts of violence which left lasting impacts on his victims.

Hubbard was sentenced to 10 months jail, and ordered to serve six months, with the remaining four suspended on a two-year good behaviour bond.

In a published judgment online, Justice Adam Kimber said Hubbard became aggressive towards his partner during an argument in February 2023.

“He removed her pet rabbit from its cage and, holding it by its hind legs, hit his partner with the rabbit more than once and with such force as to cause the rabbit’s blood to spatter on the walls of the room in which the argument was occurring,” Justice Kimber said.

The rabbit died as a result of its injuries.

Hubbard was then arrested and was conveyed to the Lyell McEwin Hospital for an assessment.

While there he threatened police and acted aggressively.

“While being restrained, he kicked a police officer to the right side of his face with such force as to cause blurry vision and significant pain,” Justice Kimber said.

“He has been unable to engage in physical play with his young daughter which has caused him to feel angry and bitter.”

Hubbard also assaulted a paramedic in February 2022 by punching him to the jaw and chin area.

Seth Deegan Hubbard’s appeal was dismissed after multiple acts of violence. Photo: File

The paramedic described suffering headaches, back and hip pain, and being unable to eat properly for a number of days after the assault.

“The attack was unprovoked, violent and targeted, occurring while the victim was speaking into his radio,” Justice Kimber said.

Hubbard pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including ill treatment of an animal and assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard Hubbard, who started using drugs at 12, said he had no memory of the offences in February 2023.

Hubbard appealed his sentence and argued it was “manifestly excessive”, due to his mental health issues at the time of the offending, the fact he had gained insight and his partner being five weeks’ pregnant at the time of sentence.

However, Justice Kimber said personal deterrence remained important and the offending demonstrated Hubbard had a habit of behaving violently.

“The motive for that conduct was, at least, to cause fear and distress to a partner,” he said.

Justice Kimber said Hubbard’s sentence was not unreasonable or unjust and dismissed the appeal.

Originally published as Seth Deegan Hubbard’s appeal dismissed after multiple acts of violence