A Corowa man who took part in a group attack outside a Lavington home has been jailed for 18 months.
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Sean Subotin was said to have played a minor role in the assault that nevertheless left the victim unconscious on a nature strip.
The 27-year-old will be released from jail early next month after completing his non-parole period of nine months.
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Subotin, appearing in Albury Local Court via a video link to Junee jail, pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated assault with intent to take or drive a motor vehicle in company.
The plea came after Director of Public Prosecutions representative Alexander Dixon withdrew a charge of robbery in company.
Mr Dixon said Subotin was the first of the co-accused to have his matter finalised, so parity in sentencing did not have to be considered.
Magistrate Richard Funston said "no other penalty" other than a full-time period of custody was "appropriate".
"I find it a very troubling charge and it would have been frightening for this victim," he said.
Defence lawyer Emma Carruthers asked that Subotin be sentenced immediately. Subotin's plea, she said, was one "of convenience based on agreed criminal enterprise".
"My client admits he is part of the group that committed the offence."
The court was told Subotin added the victim as a contact on Facebook Messenger on December 29.
Two days later, the victim borrowed a car from a friend with the undertaking he not let anyone else drive.
On January 1 he collected Subotin then picked up another man and eventually arrived outside a residence in Ashford Street, Lavington.
When he pulled into the driveway, a third man ran at the car, reached through the open driver's-side window and took the keys.
The victim demanded the keys' return, but instead this third man punched him to the face.
The pair fought, so Subotin and the second man - who threatened the victim - got out of the car and continued the assault.