Peter Neil Skoien pleads guilty to assaulting, biting man over $20 debt at Nambour

A man was left with a large open bite wound on his bottom and had his testicles squeezed during a bizarre attack over a $20 debt.

Peter Neil Skoien leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. Picture: Sam Turner

A Pomona man has walked from court after he punched a man with knuckle dusters before biting him on the bum and squeezing his testicles over $20.

Peter Neil Skoien left an open wound on his victim during the bizarre attack after he latched onto the man’s bottom while he was being restrained on the ground at a Nambour home on May 3 last year.

Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard on Friday the 44-year-old man initially went to the victim’s home to retrieve $20 which was owed to him.

The pair argued, which prompted Skoien to leave.

He then returned with knuckle dusters and punched the victim.

A struggle ensued but the victim was able to restrain Skoien on the floor until police arrived.

While they waited the 44-year-old bit the victim “near his buttock or hip” and “squeezed his testicles”, the court heard.

Skoien was later charged and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Police prosecutor Mark Burrell said it was a “significant bite” which caused an open wound, with the victim having concerns of disease transmission. Sergeant Burrell asked for the Pomona man to serve some time in custody.

Skoien after his sentence. Picture: Sam Turner

Defence solicitor Katie Paterson clarified the Pomona man’s version of events, where he admitted to squeezing the man’s testicles and biting him.

She was however instructed he did this due to being unable to breathe, as he alleged the victim had his foot on his neck which caused him to struggle to breathe.

Ms Paterson said the victim was a “much larger man” and at one point was sitting on Skoien’s face who was “struggling” due to the weight, which explained why the bite was on the victim’s bum and hip area.

His solicitor said the Mackay-born man came from a prejudicial upbringing that included battling mental health conditions and suffering a severe back injury in a car crash 20 years ago.

Magistrate Rod Madsen told the 44-year-old he was very fortunate he was not charged with assault while armed due to his knuckle dusters, which brings a larger maximum jail sentence.

Mr Madsen said the Pomona man was also fortunate the blow to the victim’s head was “largely ineffective” even with the weapon.

Skoien was jailed for 12 months, suspended immediately for three years. He was also ordered to pay $500 in compensation.

Originally published as Peter Neil Skoien pleads guilty to assaulting, biting man over $20 debt at Nambour