A defendant charged with a domestic incident that "read like a Hollywood script", drew the ire of the magistrate who believed he hadn't told the whole story to those who prepared documents submitted to Mudgee Local Court.
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Gregory Riley, aged 28, of King Street, Mudgee, was placed on a four-month Intensive Correction Order [suspended prison sentence], as well as an 18-month Community Correction Order with a condition that he abstain from alcohol, and fined $500.
On Saturday, January 12, 2019, Riley and the victim were at a local pub when they began to argue and then left. Once outside he has grabbed her shoulders and pushed her backwards.
The victim then fled to Byron Place and was chased by Riley, who pushed her to the ground when he caught up with her. She was able to escape after hiding behind a parked vehicle.
However, the incident continued when Riley returned home after the victim had arrived earlier and attempted to lock him out. Once inside he once again grabbed and pushed her, before she took a knife and retreated to a bedroom and called the police.
Riley has then broken through the door, but the situation deescalated somewhat once he'd seen that the victim had armed herself with the knife and a homemade taser.
His solicitor, Richard Wise, told the court "it was a case of alcohol, jealousy, and a lack of self-control".
He was charged with assault, intimidation, and destroy/damage property. Although magistrate Alexander Mijovich said Riley's personal references didn't carry much weight, because upon reading them he formed the opinion that their authors hadn't been informed of the full extent of the incident.
"Selective knowledge to referees doesn't help me," he said and added that the police facts "read like a Hollywood script". Furthermore, he addressed a sentence assessment report prepared for the court.
"I'm also intrigued that this occurred in January and you didn't stop drinking until March, which makes me question whether it's a genuine attempt or if you just realised that jail was a possibility," he said.
Riley was also convicted for failing to appear in court in accordance with his bail on Wednesday, March 20. On that occasion he asked that his charges be dealt with in his absence, which presiding magistrate David Day rejected due to the seriousness of the matter and issued a warrant.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice or support. This free service providing confidential advice is open 24/7. In an emergency call the police on 000, all incidents of violence should be reported to the police. For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14.
