A Mount Isa man has been sentenced to seven years behind bars for a vicious and unprovoked attack on his own sister, an assault described in court as having a significant and lasting impact on the victim.
Violent Assault in Mount Isa Home
William John Aplin, 34, faced the Mount Isa District Court after pleading guilty to one count of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. The court heard the disturbing details of the attack, which occurred on October 14, 2023.
The incident took place at a residence in Mount Isa. An argument erupted between Aplin and his 31-year-old sister. The dispute escalated dramatically when Aplin punched his sister in the head multiple times. The violence did not stop there. He then proceeded to stomp on her head while she was defenseless on the ground.
The assault only ceased when another family member present at the home intervened to stop the brutal attack. The victim was left with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Significant Injuries and Lasting Trauma
The consequences of the assault were severe. The court was informed that the victim suffered a fractured eye socket as a direct result of the stomping. This physical injury is a clear indicator of the extreme force used during the attack.
Beyond the physical harm, the psychological and emotional impact on the victim was a major factor in the sentencing. In a victim impact statement presented to the court, the woman detailed the profound trauma she has endured. She spoke of the ongoing fear, anxiety, and the fundamental breach of trust within her family. The court acknowledged that the attack had changed her life forever and shattered her sense of safety.
Judge Gregory Lynham, presiding over the case, condemned the actions of Aplin. He emphasised the gravity of attacking a vulnerable person on the ground and the particular seriousness of violence within a familial relationship, where trust is paramount.
Court Sentencing and Parole Eligibility
In handing down the sentence on Friday, April 26, 2024, Judge Lynham considered the brutality of the crime, the guilty plea, and Aplin's criminal history. The court imposed a head sentence of seven years imprisonment.
The sentence includes a stipulation for parole eligibility. William Aplin will be eligible to apply for parole after serving two years and six months of his seven-year term. This means he must spend at least that period in custody before being considered for release.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the judiciary's commitment to imposing significant penalties for such grievous acts. The sentence reflects community expectations that violent crimes, especially those against family members in their own homes, will be met with the full force of the law.
