A FORMER Warrnambool man with a long criminal history yesterday had another month trimmed off a jail sentence after he completed a work employment program.
Kevin Knowles, 41, now of Fountain Drive, Narre Warren, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on July 17 for a contest mention after being charged with recklessly causing serious injury.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan told Knowles, also known as Kevin Doherty, that he would receive four months’ imprisonment after bashing a Warrnambool car dealer.
Sentencing was adjourned for about 10 weeks to allow Knowles to complete a course in which he had booked in.
Yesterday he attended court after finishing the course.
Mr Coghlan said Knowles had used the adjournment time well and hopefully the course would be of benefit.
He said he would give Knowles some small degree of credit for successfully completing the training.
“I’m hoping this may be some form of opportunity for you, that this may be your last appearance in court for offences of violence,” Mr Coghlan said.
Knowles has a long list of prior convictions, many for offences of violence which have resulted in prison terms.
Police previously alleged that on the afternoon of March 14 Knowles went to see a Warrnambool car dealer, where he demanded $400 he said he was owed.
Knowles punched the car dealer’s head and face before hitting him with a metal pole, knocking him out and then choking him and gouging his face. The victim was able to get to a neighbouring business for help.
The victim suffered severe bruising and lacerations.
Knowles told police he was just collecting money owed to a friend.
