Phillip Leonard Doolan sentenced for common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm

A 39-year-old Gympie man has spoken out after he was cleared of more than a dozen horrific sexual and physical assault charges, but convicted of four assault charges. This is what he said.

A 39-year-old Gympie man, accused of horrific violent acts including rape and abuse, has spoken after he was acquitted of more than a dozen charges following a six day trial in Gympie District Court.

Phillip Leonard Doolan was found not guilty of 16 charges on Wednesday afternoon, including assault occasioning bodily harm, four charges of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, three charges of common assault and six charges of rape.

A spokesperson from his legal team said Doolan was “glad the process was over”.

“He is relieved to be acquitted of the serious charges,” they said.

“He is looking forward to spending time with his family.”

Phillip Doolan was acquitted of more than a dozen horrific charges after a six-day trial in the Gympie District Court, but he was convicted of four offences. Photo: Facebook

However, Doolan was found guilty of four charges, including assault occasioning bodily harm and three charges of common assault.

The jury reached unanimous verdicts on all charges except for two of rape and one of strangling, which were reached by a majority vote.

The court heard Doolan was between the ages of 36 and 37 at the time of the offences, which included punching a woman in the face, then chasing her down when she tried to escape.

He then punched her again, causing bruising to her face, it heard.

On a later date, Doolan punched the same woman in the face again, causing her to fall down.

Gympie District Court heard Phillip Doolan (pictured here in 2021) was convicted of three charges of common assault and one charge of assault occasioning bodily harm after he attacked a young boy and a woman.

Doolan also made a young boy cry after he chased him down, drove his knee into his back and pulled his shoulders back.

Crown prosecutor Sam Rigby said a victim impact statement from Doolan’s victim shared a “significant impact” including panic attacks and vivid dreams.

Doolan’s defence barrister, who asked not to be named, said her client had a traumatic childhood and grew up with a drunk for a stepfather.

She said Doolan later found himself inheriting similar issues in adulthood, including an alcohol addiction.

Throughout the trial, Doolan was described as a “big drinker” of cask wine.

Gympie District Court heard Doolan had an extensive history of violence, the most recent being in March 2021.

The court heard Doolan had an extensive history of violence, including a violent attack on a woman in front of her children in 2021.

Judge Nathan Jarro said this was “appalling”, and told Doolan he had “no second chances” after being dealt with for these offences.

“Under no circumstances should any woman or child be subjected to violence at the hands of a man,” he said.

“You should know the community views actions such as yours as cowardly.”

Doolan was sentenced to three years behind bars, but after spending 620 days in presentence custody, was immediately released on parole on Wednesday.

Originally published as Phillip Leonard Doolan sentenced for common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm