COLIN Ambrym, who has a history of violence, was yesterday told by a magistrate that a custodial penalty would be appropriate for an affray offence to which he has pleaded guilty.
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But magistrate Tony Murray said Ambrym would be assessed to see if an intensive corrections order could be imposed.
Ambrym, 29, of Cassia Street, appeared for sentencing in Albury Local Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to the affray charge which stemmed from a long-running dispute between his family and the Murray family.
Kenneth Murray, 25, was walking along Stanley Street in Albury about 4am on December 15 last year when he saw Donovan Bulmer and Ambrym going the opposite way.
Mr Murray suggested the issues involved in a continuing family dispute had long been sorted out.
But Bulmer did not agree and Ambrym threatened to assault Mr Murray before punching him to the lip.
He backed away before Ambrym hit him in the face. Bulmer landed more blows to Mr Murray’s face before backing away behind Ambrym.
The victim held his hands up while retreating into the middle of the road and walked away to end the conflict.
Five days later when police spoke to Bulmer, he claimed Mr Murray had disrespected his family.
Bulmer had previously been sentenced to a nine-month jail term with a minimum of five months for his involvement in the affray.
Solicitor Rob Hussey said Ambrym needed ass-istance with anger management.
“There has been some sort of cultural issue bet-ween the families,” Mr Hussey said.
He suggested Ambrym had been humiliated in his community.
“Your client started it. He has a history of violence,” Tony Murray said.
He said Ambrym had received a suspended jail sentence in 2011 for a matter of violence.
“You were the person that started the fracas. I am of the opinion that a custodial penalty is appropriate,” Mr Murray said.
Ambrym returns to court on July 22 after assessment for an intensive corrections order.
