Drunk Launceston man who unleashed punches on bystander might not see prison time

A Launceston man with an extensive criminal history may not get jail time after punching a man during an alcohol-induced rage. Here’s why >>

The Launceston Magistrates Court, on the corner of Charles Street and Cimitiere Street in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

A Launceston man who unleashed punches on a bystander during an alcohol-induced rage has avoided jail – for now.

Nathan Troy Binns, 41, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including one count of common assault.

He appeared at the Launceston Magistrates Court on Thursday to learn his fate.

Police prosecution said on December 1, 2023, at about 2.30pm, Binns was in the Kingsway in Launceston with a group of youths.

The court heard that one of the youths was attempting to smash a security tag off of a Kathmandu jacket when a man confronted the group and asked if they had stolen the jacket.

The court heard that Binns pushed the man and then punched him multiple times in the head.

Police prosecution said the man received bruising to his head but was not seriously injured during the attack.

Under caution during a police interview, Binns admitted to the assault and said he was defending a young female youth who was in the group.

Binns’ defence counsel said he had consumed a significant quantity of alcohol on the day of the assault.

Defence said Binns understood alcohol was a contributing factor in his offending and began a clinical alcohol detox program at Missiondale a week after the assault took place.

The court heard Binns had a history of alcohol abuse beginning when he was 15-years-old, which he used as a mechanism to deal with past trauma.

The defence counsel said Binns was on a path to reformation, evident through him seeking assistance through the appropriate channels.

Magistrate Simon Brown said he commended Binns for taking genuine steps to reformation.

“It is good that it has finally dawned on you that you are the master of your own destiny,” he said.

Mr Brown adjourned sentencing for Binns for six months and said he would review his progress on May 30 at 2.15pm.

“Whether you go to jail or not will depend entirely on you,” he said.

“If you do not continue on this path, you will almost certainly go to prison.

“You are the author of where you end up.”