A former methamphetamine addict who belted his ex-partner has so dramatically rehabilitated that it has spared him certain jail
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Aaron Trevor Freeman rammed his ex-partner’s head against the inside of his ute.
It happened during an angry, drug-fuelled outburst as they sat parked near the Murray River at Mungabareena Reserve.
She then smiled, which made Freeman even wilder and prompted him to get out of the ute to head around to the passenger door.
The woman too had got out and so he tackled her to the ground, leaving her bloodied from abrasions to her left and right elbows, her abdomen and her left knee.
The complete transformation of Freeman though after his family put him into a drug rehabilitation program in Melbourne was lauded by both magistrate Tony Murray and defence solicitor Graham Lamond in Albury Local Court.
Mr Murray offered a “congratulations” to Freeman as he left court after imposing two good behaviour bonds and several fines.
The 27-year-old was supported in court by a large number of family members.
Nevertheless, Mr Murray did not negate the seriousness of Freeman’s offending, even if the injuries the woman suffered “were down the lower end of the scale”.
Freeman had pleaded guilty to assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over what happened last October 29.
Mr Murray said he saw no point in putting Freeman back in jail as it “would be a waste of time” given his considerable efforts in rehabilitation.
Defence solicitor Graham Lamond said Freeman spent six days in custody after his initial arrest.
Mr Lamond said there was a definite difference “in the way this young man is relating”.
“He talks about how profoundly this has changed his life.”
Freeman pleaded guilty also to a series of unrelated charges, including possessing prohibited drugs.
This related to incidents on September 12 when police twice found small quantities of “ice” and cannabis in his ute.
Mr Lamond said there was little doubt Freeman’s offending was directly linked to his drug use and he had also suffered depression after breaking both ankles in a fall in his former job as a roofing plumber.
He now plans on studying to be a counsellor.
Freeman was convicted and fined almost $2000, while the assault matters attracted two fines of $300 and the 18-month bonds.