Ballarat court
THREE men allegedly went to a Wendouree home armed with a baseball bat, smashed a window and assaulted a man before leaving because of a heavily pregnant woman inside, a court has heard.
Joshua Gornalle, 18, was granted bail from Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday, where he faces eight charges including aggravated burglary, assault in company and intentionally damaging property.
Detective Senior Constable Jeff Highthorn gave evidence, saying the Dunnstown man and two others went to a Forest Street home one day last month.
One of the other men allegedly had a baseball bat with him, which was used to smash a window after an acquaintance inside refused to open the door.
Detective Highthorn said the man with the bat entered the home and started assaulting the acquaintance, before Gornalle went to go inside as well.
But upon entry, Gornalle was said to have noticed a heavily pregnant woman and told his friends to leave.
“I understand it’s all over a $100 bet,” Detective Highthorn said.
When police approached Gornalle days later, he was aggressive and broke away from officers several times, police said.
In a separate matter, Detective Highthorn claimed Gornalle had an argument with his landlord, then left and returned with a friend, who between them assaulted the 28-year-old man. The landlord told police he passed out during the ordeal.
The court heard Gornalle’s father helped organise his son’s surrender to police on Thursday night.
Detective Highthorn said he was worried Gornalle might “fall through the cracks” if he wasn’t dealt with properly.
Defence lawyer Mike Wardell urged the court to release his client.
“Suffice to say the applicant is a very immature hot-headed young man,” he said.
“But it’s his first time in the magistrates court for all these matters.”
Magistrate Kay Robertson granted bail, noting Gornalle’s age and the support of his parents. “In my view if you comply with bail conditions the risk of re-offending is not unreasonable,” she said.
“But if you’ve got problems, sort them out. Don’t take them out on the community.”
Gornalle is due back in court on October 25.