A man said he was stoned when he punched another man in the face at the supermarket, a court has heard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tyler Castles pleaded guilty to unlawful assault committed in June 2020 at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court this week.
The court heard the victim and Castles were friends but had an argument in the weeks before the incident happened.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Giles Brown said the victim was at the self-serve checkout at Coles in Ballarat Central when he noticed Castles.
IN OTHER NEWS
The court heard the victim said 'how are you going?' and Castles verbally abused him, threw a punch but missed and threw another punch which connected with the victim's lip.
Both left the store before police arrived but they spoke to Coles staff and obtained the CCTV footage of the incident.
Police interviewed Castles the next month and he said he was 'stoned'.
Castles was also charged with stealing DVDs worth $25 from JB Hi Fi.
"I wouldn't say it is out of character for me but I am changing my ways now," Castles said.
He said he had moved to Geelong to be closer to family and was working full-time.
"I am not smoking weed or drinking alcohol anymore," Castles said.
"It is pretty serious punching someone in a supermarket," Magistrate Letizia Torres said.
"I was sort of being a macho and trying to defend my partner at the time," Castles responded.
Castles was convicted and put on a good behaviour bond for 18-months.
"It sounds as though you are turning your lifestyle around," Ms Torres said.
"This is to ensure you know if you do get into trouble you will be brought back to court and re-sentenced on this matter.
"I am giving you an opportunity."
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.