A long stint in jail for assaulting his ex-partner and weeks in drug rehabilitiation "does appear to have been a turning point" in the life of footballer Jarrah Maksymow, a magistrate says.
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"I hope that you continue on a positive path," Imad Abdul-Karm told the 27-year-old on Tuesday in sentencing him to a five-month intensive corrections order.
That was on the most serious charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, for the attack on the victim at her Arunta Place, Springdale Heights, home on the morning of September 8.
Maksymow slapped her to the face, leaving her in pain with a bloodied nose
The assault was just hours before he was due to play for Henty in the Hume League semi-final, which he fled at half-time having been spoken to by police before the game got under way.
"It appears your behaviour on the day in question," Mr Abdul-Karim told Maksymow, "was of a person who was aggressive and was determined to ensure your child did not go to Beechworth."
Maksymow had pleaded guilty to the assault charge, along with contravene an apprehended violence order, stalk or intimidate - in relation to the victim's sister - and unlicensed driving.
He must wear an electronic monitoring device, which defence lawyer Bronte Winn said could cause some issues with his plans for the months ahead.
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Ms Winn said Maksymow wanted to play football in Melbourne, but Director of Public Prosecutions representative Mary-Beth McFarlane said this might not be an issue.
"If his circumstances change, that is something that (NSW) Community Corrections could review."
Mr Abdul-Karim took into account the 212 days Maksymow spent in custody bail refused, plus his six weeks at the Calgary rehabilitiation facility in Wagga that was the equivalent of three weeks in jail.
IN OTHER NEWS
"The assault involved you attending the victim's home, involved entering the home through the front door that was closed and unlocked and the victim ... was not expecting you," he said.
Mr Abdul-Karim said there was no place in the community, in any public place or in privacy behind closed doors for such violence.
"You must change your behaviour."
Maksymow must also complete 100 hours of community work, was placed on a two-year community corrections order and, for the unlicensed driving, was fined $400 and disqualified from obtaining a licence for one month.
NEW HOME FOR A FRESH START
Jarrah Maksymow wants to leave the Border behind "at some stage" for a new life in Melbourne.
His social circle had changed, defence lawyer Bronte Winn said, and Maksymow was keen to move in a more positive direction.
"He also had early talks with a rugby club," Ms Winn said.
The former Hopper has also just signed-on to play football with Sunbury under former North Albury coach and Ovens and Murray hall of famer Travis Hodgson.
Ms Winn said any move by Maksymow depended on the completion of supervision requirements set-out in his sentence.
But she said he had already taken steps to avoid any repeat of his behaviour, including a written agreement with his ex-partner for access to their child.
Maksymow continued to have counselling for alcohol addiction and had embarked on relationship counselling.
Ms Winn said this had been of "considerable assistance" in ensuring he and the victim "can live in a more cohesive manner".
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