A homeless man renowned for his dislike of women is in jail for an unprovoked attack on his ex-wife.
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Sonny Wright has landed in Junee jail as a result of his latest bout of violence and will remain there at least until late October.
Defence solicitor Bronte Winn said the 50-year-old might benefit from a pre-sentence report.
Specifically, she said Wright could suit an intensive corrections order – still a sentence of custody, but served in the community.
While his court papers listed him as living in Springdale Heights, police said Wright usually had no fixed address.
That meant he occasionally stayed in places around Albury and Melbourne.
Wright pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and fail to appear in accordance with bail.
His failure to front court is why the assault charge, from 2016, is only now before Albury Local Court.
Yesterday he appeared via a video link to Junee jail.
Police said Wright had a long history of domestic violence in both NSW and Victoria.
He showed no remorse “and has a strong dislike for females”.
“Police have a strong belief the accused will continue to inflict harm or further offences towards the victim.”
Wright and the victim were married for seven years, but had been separated for the 10 years leading up to the assault.
The court was told the victim lived at a property in Springdale Heights with her 17-year-old son.
In fear for her safety, the victim was granted an apprehended violence order against Wright in September of 2016.
It was three months later, on December 4, that the victim was sleeping on a mattress in the lounge room of her home.
She woke about 11.30pm to find Wright standing near her.
He called her “you f … ing dog”.
Wright then punched her in the eye, causing her to fall backwards.
He walked into a bedroom and began grabbing items; the victim was unsure of what he took, but believed Wright had left several possessions in her home.
Police said the victim managed to get to her feet and call police, who arrived soon after to find her suffering from a swollen and bruised left eye.
“The victim has fears that the accused will return and assault her further due to previous incidents.”
Wright will be sentenced on October 22.
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