Gary John Shepherd sentenced for violent Gladstone assault

Two men living in the same unit complex were involved in a confrontation before one of them was knocked out with a metal pole and then stomped on - but the attack didn’t end there.

A Gladstone man has been sentenced for the violent assault of his neighbour. Generic image.

A Gladstone man who assaulted his neighbour with a metal pole and a chair has been sentenced.

Gary John Shepherd, 49, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to offences including assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, and going armed to cause fear.

The court heard that Shepherd, who resided at Off Lane, Gladstone, carried out a “violent attack” on a man who lived in the same unit complex as him.

The incident started with Shepherd, armed with a metal pole, standing in the doorway of the victim’s unit and saying something to him.

After the victim approached, Shepherd swung the weapon which connected with the victim’s jaw.

The victim was knocked unconscious and fell to the ground.

The court heard that while the victim was on the ground, Shepherd “stood over him” and stomped on the left side of his body.

Gladstone Courthouse.

The victim regained consciousness and while he was trying to get up off the ground, Shepherd picked up a plastic chair and hit him in the head with it.

The blow lacerated the victim’s head.

The court heard that Shepherd had a five-page criminal history which included previous AOBH while armed offending, as well as multiple AOBH offences.

It was told Shepherd committed these latest offences while he was on parole for AOBH.

Solicitor Jun Pepito said Shepherd was a father of six who suffered from schizophrenia.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Shepherd to 18 months’ jail, declared 81 days’ pre-sentence custody as time already served, and fixed parole eligibility at May 18, 2024.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Gary John Shepherd sentenced for violent Gladstone assault