A Canberra man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after a court found he threatened to kill a seven-month-old puppy by throwing it off a balcony, with the explicit aim of causing further distress to his partner during a violent two-day episode.
Violent Crimes Detailed in Court
The man, whose identity is suppressed to protect the victim, faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, January 23, where he learned he would remain behind bars. He had previously admitted to multiple charges including choking, assault, animal cruelty, and property damage, all committed against or in the presence of his then-partner at her Canberra home in mid-2025.
Magistrate Alexandra Burt described the case as a serious instance of prolonged and multifaceted family violence. She detailed how the man slapped the victim numerous times, threatened her, broke her bedroom door, and choked her twice, with one choking incident lasting approximately 30 seconds. The victim reported feeling as though she was going to pass out during the assault.
Animal Cruelty as a Tool of Coercion
The court heard that the man also targeted the woman's dachshund puppy, holding it by the throat, striking it, and threatening to throw it off the balcony. Prosecutor Mark Wadsworth stated that the man asked his partner if she wanted some of what the puppy got, highlighting the calculated nature of the abuse.
Legal Aid lawyer Sam Collett told the court his client was remorseful and ashamed of his conduct. Magistrate Burt accepted that the man showed insight into his offending, which he partly attributed to drug use at the time.
Previous Offences and Sentencing
The latest crimes occurred while the man was serving a suspended sentence for another family violence offence. His criminal history also includes serious sexual offending.
Magistrate Burt imposed a 16-month jail term with an eight-month non-parole period. She ordered the man to follow directives regarding anger management and family violence counselling upon his release, stating, So you never treat anyone the way you treated the victim that day again.
Factoring in time already served, the man will be eligible for parole in March. Support services are available for those affected by family violence, including Lifeline on 13 11 14 and 1800-RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
