Magistrate Michael Wood sets tone against perpetrators of domestic violence

People facing court in a regional Queensland town for domestic violence offences should be prepared for the consequences, with the new magistrate setting a clear tone.

Magistrate Michael Wood has set the tone for perpetrators of domestic violence offences and is cracking down hard.

Kerry Kay Frid pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, armed and in a domestic violence setting.

Police prosecutor Ellysha Geddes told the court police had been called to the Surat residence, after reports of a disturbance on January 7. When police arrived, there did not appear to be any disturbance, but while the officer was on scene, an argument ensued between Frid and her son.

Ms Geddes told the court that the police officer on scene witnessed the argument between Frid and her son escalate, before the 67-year-old woman picked up a children’s scooter and threw it over the veranda balustrade towards her son, before the officer had time to act or intervene.

Ms Geddes said the scooter hit the son’s head, causing a laceration which required four stitches.

Frid was immediately arrested in relation to the matter.

The woman’s lawyer Laurie Parker said Frid’s action was a response to ongoing abuse from her son.

Mr Parker told the court Frid’s son is an ice addict, who has inflicted protracted abuse on her and her ex-partner.

“There’s been abuse going towards (the woman) and her former partner … for years. In this particular instance there was two days and two nights of constant abuse,” he said.

Despite this, Mr Wood sentenced Frid to a one-month term of imprisonment, wholly suspended, citing the key issue of deterrence in sentencing.

“The question of deterrence looms large,” Mr Wood said.

“In sentencing I must deter you from committing these types of offences but also I must send a message to the community that this type of offending is not acceptable.”

Frid’s conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Magistrate Michael Wood sets tone against perpetrators of domestic violence