A BALLARAT Magistrate has lashed out at a man who injured his former girlfriend then bragged about it on Facebook.
David Gordon, 21, appeared in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to criminal damage and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
The court heard that in November last year, Gordon had an argument with his then girlfriend while they were in his car in Creswick.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Kilburn said Gordon then grabbed his girlfriend’s mobile phone, snapped it in half and threw it out the window before driving over it.
The court heard he then drove off before hitting the brakes hard while driving about 60km/h, causing his girlfriend to get thrown around the car as she was kneeling on the seat and not wearing a seatbelt.
She suffered minor head injuries.
Senior Constable Kilburn said Gordon then put up a Facebook status, bragging about what he did and claimed it was “the most boss thing I’ve ever done”.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson labelled Gordon’s actions, particularly his Facebook post, as “vulgar, disturbing and arrogant”.
“It’s the most callous and disturbing recount of the event,” Ms Hodgson said.
“There’s just a lack of remorse, it’s quite horrifying. If you think these events were your girlfriend’s fault you are wrong. Women are not property.”
In arguing against a prison sentence, defence lawyer Brett Bryant said although the Facebook post did not show it, Gordon was remorseful.
“He suspected his girlfriend of infidelity. His anger and frustration got the better of him,” Mr Bryant said.
“I submit that a sentence of prison should be of last resort.”
Ms Hodgson said she considered a prison term before sentencing Gordon to 150 hours community service, to be served over 12 months.
He was also ordered to pay $220 as restitution for the mobile phone and attend a behavioural change course.