A MAN with a history of violence and drugs has been banned from entering Coledale in Tamworth.
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Magistrate Julie Soars made the unusual condition as part of an 11-month intensive corrections order (ICO) after a desperate plea from the man's father.
"That's where the problem is," the father told Tamworth Local Court.
"His problems are there.
"I promise to give him all the support I can."
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The court heard the 31-year-old has a cognitive impairment, "wants to turn his life around", and has three children he wants to see.
"I've got no reason to go back down there," the man interjected from the dock, flanked by prison officers.
The man pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after he made a "split-second decision" to punch the victim, leaving him with a split lip. He's been behind bars since January 5.
The assault was aggravated by the fact the man was on parole at the time for a serious domestic violence-related assault.
Solicitor Garry Johnston conceded the offence warranted imprisonment.
He called for an ICO to help his client get back on track, after time served in custody.
DPP solicitor Kat McKay said the man had a "number of previous offences of violence" on his record; was on parole; and only part of his time in custody should be taken into account because of the "criminality reflected by this".
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was placed on an 11-month ICO - a prison term to be served in the community with drug screening, community service and counselling.
Ms Soars said it was "a clean start" for him, but she had to "consider community safety" because he had a "substantial criminal history for his age".
"If you go near people who are dealing drugs, [the police] are going to be looking for you," she warned.
Ms Soars said the man was "one of the lucky ones with community support".
"An ICO is not a piece of cake," she said.
"Breach any of the conditions, you'll go straight before the parole board [and back to jail]."
As part of the order, the man must undergo drug and alcohol counselling, carry out community service and not enter Coledale, the area from Gunnedah Road to the north, Duri Road to the east and Cole Road to the west.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
