A SOLDIER who had titanium plates and pins inserted into his jaw after an Anzac Day assault is still battling nearly a year after the incident.
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The man was punched and elbowed multiple times – including while on the ground – at the SS&A Club last year, and also broke his leg and ankle during the incident.
A second defence force member was also hit.
Three Border brothers who took part the group assault have received sentences ranging from suspended jail time to fines.
The drama unfolded at the venue when one of the soldiers exchanged words with some co-offenders.
He gathered up other ADF members and they went up to brothers Craig, Chris and Josh Lieschke and their friends at the club’s sports bar.
One soldier aggressively asked what their problem was, rocking backwards and forwards with his arms out, appearing ready to fight.
Josh, 24, grabbed the man’s shirt and the soldier grabbed his shirt back, before Josh swung left and right punches.
The soldier fell to the ground as the oldest brother Craig, 29, charged at him and punched him.
Josh threw further punches, which missed.
A second soldier got in the middle of the fight and was grabbed and punched in the head and face.
As he was being held, the oldest brother hit the man with two uppercuts to the face, before Josh placed him in a headlock and Chris, 24, elbowed him in the face.
Trent Richards punched the man in the head before other pub goers broke up the brawl.
A fifth man walked up and king hit the first soldier when he wasn’t looking, causing him to stumble, and Craig moved in and punched him in the face.
The victim fell to the ground and stumbled to the wall, breaking his leg.
One of the brothers moved in and assaulted him again, leaving him on the ground, and the group fled the scene.
They later handed themselves into police when CCTV images were circulated through the media.
Chris Lieschke told officers the soldier had been “shaping” up for a fight and said the incident wouldn’t have occurred if he didn’t come over to the group.
Craig Lieschke was given the heaviest penalty after pleading guilty in the Albury Local Court recently, receiving a seven-month suspended jail term.
Twins Josh and Chris were placed on a good behaviour bond and received $1000 fines respectively.
