Brodie Christopher Bevin sentenced in Toowoomba District Court for assaulting neighbour

A 29-year-old threw an estimated 20 to 30 punches at his neighbour – for no apparent reason. See what happened in court.

A 29-year-old Toowoomba man who landed an estimated “20 to 30” blows on his neighbour for an undisclosed reason has been sentenced to 18 months’ jail.

Brodie Christopher Bevin and an unidentified male associate entered the victim’s home on the night of August 20, 2022, where Bevin had assaulted him, Toowoomba District Court was told.

Crown prosecutor Shontelle Petrie told the court Bevin had thrown a flurry of punches, estimated at between 20 and 30, at the adult male victim’s head and neck.

Though Bevin later suggested there was a reason for the intrusion and assault, no explanation had been put before the court, Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren SC noted.

Defence barrister Jessica Goldie told the court though her client had a problem with illicit drug use in the past, he was not using drugs at the time of this incident which he put down to “gross intoxication”.

Ms Goldie said Bevin instructed he hadn’t drunk since and he had not reoffended in the almost 12 months since.

Bevin was now in full time employment in concreting for which he had saved to obtain a ute, tools and trailer and he was now saving to buy a house for himself, his wife and their young child, she said.

Bevin’s employer had not only provided a reference to the court but was in court supporting him during the sentence hearing, the court was told.

Bevin pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm in company.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren SC told the 29-year-old that being affected by alcohol was “absolutely no excuse”.

Judge Horneman-Wren said it was fortunate the victim hadn’t sustained more serious injury but the psychological and emotional impact on him had been significant and ongoing.

Judge Horneman-Wren also noted Bevin had previous offences of assault occasioning bodily harm but he had performed well on a probation order imposed in 2022 and his participation with courses through the Murri Court system had also been positive.

Bevin was urged to get help if alcohol was behind the offending.

“If it’s alcohol related then you’ve got to address it,” Judge Horneman-Wren told him.

“Lots of people drink alcohol, lots of people drink alcohol excessively but not everyone is prone to violence as a consequence.

“And if you’re one of those people, and there are many, then you have to address the way in which you drink.

“Because, being affected by alcohol, as you know, provides absolutely no excuse whatsoever.”

Judge Horneman-Wren sentenced Bevin to 18 months in jail but ordered he be released on immediate parole.