High-profile Border business identity Jon Retford has admitted to abusing his wife then punching her to the chest, but has no memory of the incident because he was too drunk.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 57-year-old former general manager of Wodonga's Wilson Transformers pleaded guilty to the assault, which came after he became enraged about missing Lego.
Retford also consented on Tuesday to a six-month apprehended violence order being taken out by police on behalf of his wife.
Under this he must not assault, threaten or harass his wife and not approach her within 12 hours of drinking alcohol.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Retford told magistrate Rodney Brender in Albury Local Court that while he did not remember the assault, "I have no reason to refute it. I'd like to settle it today your honour."
He said he had no reason not to believe the statement made by his wife, who went to Albury police station the day after the incident - with her son and daughter - to make a complaint.
Retford chose not to be legally represented, repeating his decision on the day of his arrest when he was interviewed by police.
Mr Brender, in sentencing him, asked the North Albury man if he had a problem with alcohol abuse.
Retford said there were "some issues we both have to deal with" and for him, anger management. He had given up alcohol.
Police were called to the couple's Regina Avenue home on August 10 about 6pm over reports of a domestic dispute.
They spoke to Retford's wife - they married in September, 2018, have been a couple for 16 years and sat with each other in court - but she didn't want to make a statement.
Once police left the house, Retford began yelling at her about the missing Lego he owned as a child and had lent to his wife's daughter.
Retford called his wife a "c ... ". She tried to walk away, but he followed her around the house.
He punched her and then went to bed.
Retford was placed on a 12-month community release order, without conviction.
