A Geelong man has been sentenced to six years behind bars for an aggravated burglary that left a victim injured. Lee Wade, 35, appeared in the Geelong County Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and one count of recklessly causing injury.
Details of the Incident
The court heard that on the night of March 15, 2023, Wade forced his way into a home in Geelong West. The victim, a 42-year-old man, was inside the residence at the time. Wade assaulted the victim, causing injuries that required medical treatment. The attack was described by the prosecution as unprovoked and violent.
Victim Impact
The victim suffered bruising and a laceration to his face, as well as psychological trauma. In a victim impact statement read to the court, he described feeling unsafe in his own home and experiencing ongoing anxiety since the incident.
Sentencing Remarks
Judge Fiona Stuart noted that Wade had a prior criminal history, including convictions for violence. She said the offending was serious and warranted a significant prison term. Wade was sentenced to six years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years. He has already served 287 days in custody, which will be counted as time served.
Defence Submission
Defence lawyer Sarah Thomas argued that Wade had struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues, and that his offending was linked to his substance abuse. She said he had shown remorse and was motivated to address his issues while in custody.
Prosecution Response
Prosecutor David Glynn said the offending was serious and that Wade had a history of similar behaviour. He argued that a strong sentence was needed to deter others and protect the community.
Judge Stuart accepted that Wade had taken steps towards rehabilitation but emphasised the need for denunciation and punishment. She ordered that Wade be assessed for drug and alcohol treatment programs while in prison.
The sentence was backdated to March 16, 2023, meaning Wade will be eligible for parole in March 2027.
