A Terang man who bashed a real estate agent and assaulted a police officer after he was told to vacate his rental property has avoided a jail sentence.
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Seven Logan Hunter, 40, of Shadforth Street, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool County Court earlier this month to aggravated burglary, two counts of making a threat to kill, intentionally causing injury, unlawful assault, carrying a knife and assaulting an emergency services worker on duty.
On Friday judge Michael O'Connell said he moderated the penalty to be imposed due to Hunter's mental function and decline at the time of the offending.
He said Hunter's attack and the violence he exposed real state agency staff to was unacceptable and could not be tolerated.
Hunter was convicted, placed on a three-year community corrections order with the conditions he undertake assessment and treatment for alcoholism and mental health and perform 300 hours of community work.
The court heard that following significant childhood trauma Hunter had suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism.
Six victim impact statements were also received by the court, many from workers at the real estate agency who reported that after the attack they felt anxious and fearful.
The business added a security door and more cameras after Hunter's attack.
The judge noted that the attack only stopped when real estate workers intervened in an effort to protect their colleague.
Hunter also had prior court appearance for two assault last year after threatening to wrap a bag around a supermarket worker's head and punching a manager.
The court was told that Hunter suffered clinical depression and had been drinking between three and six bottles of wine at the time of the attack.
A psychologist reported that Hunter had an acute stress reaction and was unable to behave in a controlled manner.
She said he felt unfairly treated and over reacted.
Hunter admitted to the psychologist the attack was the worse thing he had ever done.
He is now no longer drinking, working, has accommodation and is in a stable relationship.
Previously crown prosecutor Craig McConaghy said on August 1 last year, Hunter received a notice from Warrnambool's Homeseeka Real Estate to vacate a rental property.
Hunter contacted the business by telephone about 2pm on August 7 and was advised to vacate the property as the owners wished to sell.
Hunter told the real estate agent he was going to come down and beat him.
At 3.15pm he attended the Kepler Street office and walked directly into a room where the male victim was working.
He verbally abused the victim before pushing him against a wall and punching him repeatedly to the face and chest areas.
During the assault, Hunter said to the victim: "I told you I was coming to f...ing bash and kill you."
The prosecutor said two colleagues restrained the accused by grabbing his left arm and holding him in a head lock.
A third colleague entered the room and Hunter told him he was going to kill him.
Police attended the scene and Hunter was arrested and handcuffed.
A knife was located in his pocket.
When placed in the back of a police van, Hunter attempted to kick the door and made contact with one of the female officers. She was not injured.
The real estate agent suffered bruising, swelling and soreness to his face.
The judge said that if Hunter had not pleaded guilty and the charges were proven, he would have been jailed for three years with a minimum term of 18 months to be served.
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