A MAN was left with serious injuries, including a haematoma to his left eye and a chipped tooth, following a vicious nightclub assault, a court has heard.
Adam James Weightman, 22, attacked two men three years ago at what used to be the 21 Arms nightclub in Mair Street, after he and three friends had been following the victims around “for some time”.
During the early hours of April 12, 2009, Weightman tapped the first victim on the shoulder then verbally abused him before punching him in the eye.
Weightman then turned to the second victim and punched him twice in the head. The second punch knocked him forward, causing him to strike a handrail and chip his teeth.
The second victim was taken to Ballarat Base Hospital suffering a haematoma to his left eye, a medial orbital wall blowout to his left eye socket, a chipped bottom tooth and swelling and bruising.
Weightman appeared in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious injury and assault, as well as several driving offences.
Crown prosecutor Cecily Hollingworth said that when Weightman was initially questioned by police a year after the assault he denied being at the club, saying he and the three friends had been in Echuca.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson sentenced Weightman to a 12-month community corrections order, including 200 hours of unpaid community work and assessment for drug and alcohol dependency. He was also fined $800 and disqualified from driving for six months.
“You are very fortunate that (the victim) hasn’t suffered permanent injuries as a result of your actions,” Ms Hodgson said. “Victims of these assaults do not walk away without a legacy of pain and fear.
“These young men will have to bear the consequences of your actions for a very long time.”