Curtly James Hodge sentenced to prison for assault sparked over request to help with dishes

A man has been the victim of “arrogant thuggery” by a guest in their friend’s home, after asking for help with a simple household chore.

A NORTHERN Tasmanian man who assaulted and threatened an acquaintance who asked him to help do the dishes has been sentenced.

In the Supreme Court in Launceston, Curtly James Hodge, 20, who had pleaded guilty to assault was sentenced by Justice Robert Pearce on Tuesday.

The court heard on July 4, 2019, the victim was visiting his friend at their unit in Invermay where Hodge and another man were already.

The court heard the victim was asked to do some dishes and asked Hodge to help him when Hodge came up to him and “punched him several times in quick succession.”

The victim fell to the floor and as he stood up, Hodge punched him to the floor again and kicked his face and chest.

The court heard the other man Hodge had been at the house with was holding a pair of scissors and threatened to stab the victim if he stood up.

Hodge attempted to take the victim’s wallet, phone and keys, but was unsuccessful and as he left, he threatened that if the man called the police he would burn his house down.

The court heard the victim suffered “shocking” bruising to his face and chest, the pain of which he experienced for months.

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He lost his job as a result of an inability to perform it and he remains anxious, fearful and more socially isolated.

“This is a bad assault seemingly committed for no reason other than arrogant thuggery,” Justice Pearce said.

“It involved the infliction of multiple blows of the type capable of causing serious harm, some while the victim was on the ground. It is fortunate [the victim] was not more seriously injured.”

Justice Pearce said Hodge came from a background of “severe disadvantage.”

His prior convictions include aggravated robbery, assault, possessing a firearm and ammunition without a licence, possessing cannabis and numerous counts of stealing.

“You seem to have little understanding how your conduct may affect others and you have, so far, not indicated any willingness to reform,” Justice Pearce said.

“I will make a community correction order to take effect on your release, not to punish you, although it may have that effect, but in the hope that you will eventually realise that unless you decide to change and accept responsibility for your behaviour you are likely to spend long periods in prison.”

Hodge was convicted and sentenced to 16 months in prison and will not be eligible for parole until serving at least 10 months.