A magistrate says a man who caused a 15 centimetre cut to another man's face with a meat cleaver at the Little Bridge Street bus stop was a 'real risk' of killing someone.
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Scott Michael Harrison, 30, faced the Ballarat Magistrates' Court via video link from custody on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to the 'outrageous' offending.
The victim told police he approached Harrison and a teenage co-accused at the bus stop on November 16, 2021 about 7.50pm to break up a fight.
The co-accused, who cannot be named because he is a child, produced a large meat cleaver and started waving it around threateningly before Harrison grabbed it and lunged towards the victim's face.
It made a 15cm gash to his left cheek.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage.
It is really concerning behaviour.
- Magistrate Noreen Toohey
Harrison and the co-accused fled and an ambulance was called for the victim, who was treated and transported to hospital.
The offenders were arrested soon after 8.30pm when police saw them leaving a Ballarat East property.
Magistrate Noreen Toohey said Harrison had a relevant and lengthy criminal history that included assaults, causing injury and possessing a weapon.
She said he was sentenced to three months imprisonment for assault as recent as June 2021.
"It seems to me Mr Harrison is someone who keeps coming back," she said.
"It is really concerning behaviour.
"I have already said to (his co-accused) in the past the very real risk is he is going to kill someone.
"Mr Harrison is falling into the same category. It is a very real risk with this behaviour."
Defence lawyer Scott Belcher said he agreed it was 'outrageous' offending and a 'significant breach of the peace'.
He said Harrison had a lengthy criminal history and the fact he pleaded guilty at an early opportunity was one of the best factors in his favour.
He said a prison term was the only sentencing option available to the court, but submitted a Forensicare report would assist in sentencing.
"On every level there has been a lack of compliance with court orders," Mr Belcher said.
Ms Toohey ordered a Forensicare assessment to 'try to get to the bottom of the offending'.
"It doesn't matter what the court does to assist him he keeps breaching orders and continues to re-offend," she said.
Harrison will return to court in February for sentencing.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
