An army private who approached a fellow soldier and repeatedly punched him several times to the head at an Albury hotel has been rebuked by a magistrate.
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Erin Kennedy told Joshua Graham-Figucio his Defence Forces training meant he was “someone quite capable of showing control”.
Earlier, defence solicitor Joe Blackshield said Graham-Figucio targeted the victim because he had discovered the other man, a corporal, was involved in a sexual relationship with a female soldier much younger than him.
This, he said, was partly what he was going to discuss with the victim when he approached him in the toilets at Beer Deluxe.
“He was provoked but is very remorseful.”
But Ms Kennedy said “people should feel safe”.
“It’s a very serious offence and it’s a serious offence of violence.”
Graham-Figucio, 27, of North Albury, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work.
The court was told that Graham-Figucio, who was now transitioning into civilian life, went to Beer Deluxe on August 19 at 10.53pm.
The victim arrived at the Kiewa Street hotel with friends about 11pm.
Police said the victim had a drink with them and then, about 20 minutes later, went into the toilets.
Graham-Figucio followed him with the intention of discussing with him his concerns about the victim’s relationship.
He “had words” with the victim and then punched him to the left side of his face, then took hold of the victim and punched him up to seven times.
The pair were separated by other patrons and soon after, police arrested Graham-Figucio.