A HAMILTON man who abused his stepson has had a four-month immediate jail term reduced to a community work program after appealing against the severity of a sentence.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the stepson, previously appeared in Hamilton Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault and making threats.
The charges relate to the man abusing his young step-son, which resulted in the boy no longer being in his mother’s care.
The man, aged in his 40s, had been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with an immediate four months to serve.
He appealed against the severity of the sentence to Warrnambool County Court this week.
Judge Bill Stuart had the man assessed for a community corrections order and the appellant was found to be suitable. He was placed on a two-year order with the conditions he complete 300 hours of community work, undertake treatment for alcohol, drugs, medical and mental health issues and do programs to reduce the chances of offending, including a men’s behaviour change program.
“This is no light ask for you,” Judge Stuart told the appellant.
“If you re-offend you will come back before me and you will go to jail in the most likely scenario.
“This is your last chance.”
The boy filled out a victim impact statement which highlighted that his relationship with his mother had ended after she formed a relationship with the man.
The victim had made a range of allegations against the man.