Denhem Ronald Blackburn bashed man with metal pole in Mooloolaba
A former NRL prospect has been jailed for a violent home invasion during which he chased a man off a Sunshine Coast unit balcony after hitting him with a steel bar.
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A former NRL prospect has been jailed for a home invasion during which he chased a man off a Mooloolaba balcony after bashing him with a metal pole.
Denhem Ronald Blackburn, 31, had been contracted with the Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans in his early years before a life of drug addiction and crime took hold.
Maroochydore District Court heard on Friday July 15, 2022 the 31-year-old had spent 17 months in custody after the disturbing attack in Mooloolaba on February 5, 2021.
Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks said Blackburn, his partner and his co-accused had driven to the complainant’s apartment in the early hours of the morning to buy cocaine. His partner has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Ms Marks said Blackburn’s girlfriend went into the apartment first, with the co-accused walking in moments later and punching the complainant in the head.
Blackburn, trailing behind the co-accused, struck the man in the head with a steel bar and chased the victim onto the balcony as he tried to defend himself.
A glass door was shattered by Denham as he advanced, forcing the complainant to jump from the balcony, fracturing his foot.
Ms Marks said Blackburn and the co-accused stole several items including cash before escaping.
Police arrested the 31-year-old after the violent attack and he had spent 17 months in custody since.
The court heard the victim was taken to hospital and was treated for a cut to his head, foot fractures and a concussion.
Defence barrister Mark Dixon said the concreter had the world at his feet after being contracted to the Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans but was jailed for drug trafficking in 2018.
Mr Dixon said Blackburn had become angry on the evening of the home invasion due to a comment made about his partner by someone at the unit on social media.
The court heard Blackburn had struggled with a stimulant addiction most of his life and wanted to offer an apology to the victim.
Blackburn pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, burglary and stealing.
Judge Glen Cash sentenced Blackburn to three years’ jail, with a parole eligibility date of Friday July 15, 2022.
Convictions were recorded.
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Originally published as Denhem Ronald Blackburn bashed man with metal pole in Mooloolaba
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