Eric Doyle sentenced in Rockhampton Magistrates Court

A man has been told it was “most fortunate” his former partner was not more seriously injured after his punch knocked her unconscious and caused a black eye during her daughter’s milestone birthday celebrations.

A man has been jailed after a drunken one punch attack on his ex-partner.

A Magistrate told a man alcohol was no excuse for punching his former partner, causing her to become unconscious.

Eric Andrew Doyle, 40, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday, August 12, to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm as a domestic violence offence.

The court heard the victim was sitting outside her Koongal home just after midnight on June 23 after a celebration for her daughter’s 18th birthday.

While sitting outside, the victim saw Doyle’s car pull up before walking over to him and talking to him, asking him to leave multiple times.

Doyle told the victim he “came with a bottle” to help celebrate the birthday.

The victim could tell Doyle was intoxicated because of a strong alcohol smell and his slurred speech.

After telling Doyle to leave multiple times the victim began walking back towards the house.

Doyle yelled her name, causing the victim to turn around, before punching her in the left cheek.

The victim was knocked to the ground unconscious for an unknown amount of time, with Doyle trying to help by leaning her against his car.

Doyle then fled the scene after hearing police sirens approaching.

The victim was assessed by paramedics and taken to Rockhampton Hospital for further assessment where she was found to have sustained a black eye and swollen cheek, as well as extensive pain across her chin and cheek.

Rockhampton Courthouse.

The following day the victim received a number of phone calls and messages from Doyle, including one when she was at the police station have her injury photographed by officers.

On June 25 Doyle was arrested and taken to the Rockhampton Watch House.

Police prosecutor Brendon Selic told the court Doyle had a “dated” criminal history.

He said the “most concerning” aspect of the assault was the fact the victim was knocked unconscious for an unknown period of time and it was “fortunate” the victim did not sustain more serious injuries.

Doyle’s lawyer Samantha Legrady told the court her client “never wanted to end up in prison again”.

Ms Legrady told the court Doyle didn’t have issues with drugs and alcohol “ordinarily” wasn’t an issue, but that he did “drink excessively” before the assault.

She said she was instructed by her client that he wouldn’t drink alcohol again when released from custody.

Ms Legrady said it had been nearly 20 years since her client was last before the court and he had spent 40 days in custody before sentencing.

Magistrate Cameron Press took into account Doyle’s plea of guilty when considering his sentence.

Mr Press told Doyle he was lucky the victim had only sustained pain and swelling as a result of his conduct and nothing worse.

“You are most fortunate she did not suffer any fractures to the face sir, because you would have been facing a longer term of imprisonment,” she said.

“Indeed, it could have been even more serious than that and you could have been facing years of imprisonment.

“I accept you were intoxicated at the time sir, but intoxication is no defence.”

Doyle was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment with 48 days of presentence custody declared as time already served.

He was also ordered to do 40 hours of community service upon his release.

He will be released on parole on September 6.

Originally published as Eric Doyle sentenced in Rockhampton Magistrates Court