Chance David Soden found guilty of common assault in Rockhampton District Court

A court has heard how a Central Queensland dad kicked a woman he had just met on a night out over something as small as a cigarette. Here’s what happened in court.

A man has been given the opportunity to serve his prison sentence in the community after he was found guilty of kicking a woman he had just met during a night out.

Chance David Soden, 29, was found guilty of common assault in a two-day trial in Rockhampton District Court.

The court heard Soden, who grew up in Ambrose south of Rockhampton, met a woman while out at the Strand Hotel in Gladstone on the night of February 13 last year.

The court heard there was a “mutual attraction” between the pair.

Soden and the woman were later driven to the beach.

As the woman was about to start smoking a cigarette Soden asked her for one and he was told no and swore at him.

Soden then kicked the woman to the stomach which caused her to fall against a car.

The woman then got back in the car and left Soden.

Chance David Soden found guilty of common assault following trial in Rockhampton District Court.

Soden was later arrested in April and denied kicking or being in the vicinity of the woman.

Crown prosecutor Maryam Yousufzai told the court Soden had a criminal history with entries mainly involving drugs.

She said “there was no provocation or reason” for Soden to kick the woman.

Ms Yousufzai submitted a term of imprisonment between six and nine months was within range and that Soden should serve at least half of the term.

Soden’s barrister Sheridan Shaw told the court her client currently had work as a labourer and said if he was to go into jail there was the potential he would lose his rental property.

Ms Shaw said her client was a father of three and his current partner was due to give birth to his fourth child in the coming months.

She said at the time of the incident Soden had been separated from his current partner, but they had since gotten back together.

Judge Jeff Clarke told Soden the act of violence was “completely uncalled for”.

Judge Clarke condemned Soden for “lying” and “denying” his involvement in the altercation and described his actions as contrived.

“You gave a patently false account to the police when you were interviewed a few months after,” he said.

“You, it seemed to me, took every opportunity to convince them that what you were saying was truthful and accurate.”

Soden was placed on a nine month intensive corrections order.

Originally published as Chance David Soden found guilty of common assault in Rockhampton District Court