A Bega man with a long history of offending, who told a magistrate "Sorry Champ" during a disruptive court appearance, has been sentenced to two years in jail.
Courtroom Outbursts Lead to Stern Warning
Ryan Scott Henderson, 53, repeatedly interrupted the proceedings during his hearing at Bega Local Court on December 23. His own solicitor, Ines Chiumento, was forced to try and quieten him as he spoke over Magistrate Doug Dick.
"Sorry Champ, sometimes expressions just come out," Henderson told the court. In response, Magistrate Dick issued a blunt warning, stating the day would last much longer if Henderson did not remain silent.
"Just listen to me. One more word and I'll stand your matter in the list," Magistrate Dick said. "And I've got a lot of matters."
A Pattern of Offending Against the Vulnerable
While entering guilty pleas to all charges, Ms Chiumento acknowledged a clear pattern in Henderson's criminal behaviour. She told the court his breaches consistently involved people close to him or those in vulnerable positions.
"They're always in relation to people who he lives with or are close to, neighbours with disabilities or disadvantage," she said. The court heard one assault was against his partner and another against a disabled person who relied on Henderson for help.
Magistrate Dick detailed one incident, stating, "You head-butted him, causing him to fall to the floor." The shoplifting charges related to two thefts of liquor from a BWS store just one day apart.
Jail Sentence Imposed to 'Finish the Cycle'
Magistrate Dick said he aimed to halt Henderson's escalating criminal record with a decisive sentence. "Your record is building, building, building, and it's time to bring that to an end," he told the defendant.
The magistrate imposed a two-year jail term to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO). This means Henderson will serve his sentence in the community under strict supervision by Community Corrections, rather than in a prison cell.
Magistrate Dick delivered a final warning in plain language. "If you commit any further offences, you don't come back to court, you go before the parole authority," he said. "Let me use street language: If you stuff up again, you won't be back at this court."
As he left the dock, Henderson wished the magistrate a happy holiday, saying, "You have a good Christmas, mate!" The sentence was handed down on January 5, 2026.
