Guilty plea forecast

By Andrew Thomson
Updated November 7 2012 - 3:23pm, first published January 20 2010 - 9:37am

TWO young men who were allegedly paid to bash a Warrnambool man along the city's nightclub strip during October have indicated they will plead guilty.Ben Parker-Giblin, 18, and Leon Keane, 19, appeared in a Warrnambool Magistrates Court committal mention this week and said they would plead guilty to one charge each of intentionally causing serious injury. Their cases have been adjourned until the next sitting of the Warrnambool County Court, which starts on Monday.The alleged money man Matthew Dance, 24, of North Street, Koroit, also appeared in court this week and his bail was extended until a committal hearing on April 16. He has to report to police Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, not contact witnesses and not attend the Warrnambool central business district or the foreshore area.He was released on bail with a $50,000 surety on November 30. Mr Dance's mother and stepfather have put up their home as surety. Police previously alleged in court that the assault was a payback for Leigh Matthew, 25, making a statement to police about a Horsham matter for which Mr Dance was jailed on May 27, 2005.Warrnambool police Detective Senior Constable Colin Ryan previously told a court that Mr Dance approached a number of people between 2am and 4am on October 22 in Timor Street offering $100 to whoever would bash Mr Matthew.He said about 4am Mr Parker-Giblin approached Mr Keane and they walked towards the victim. Police allege Mr Parker-Giblin came from behind the victim, called out "hey mate'' and, as the victim turned, king-hit Mr Matthew with a clenched fist to the face."The victim has fallen backwards onto the roadway, striking his head on the asphalt,'' Detective Senior Constable Ryan said.The police officer alleged Mr Keane then rushed in, knelt beside the victim and struck him five or six times to the head, only stopping when he realised Mr Matthew was unconscious.

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