Aiden Christopher Hill: Community-based order for ‘unacceptable’ violence against girlfriend

A magistrate has said the community is “fed up” with men who “just don’t get the message” while sentencing an 18-year-old who headbutted and punched his partner in the face. Aiden Christopher Hill pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful assault on Thursday in Albany Magistrates Court. The man was charged after he headbutted his partner during an argument on September 3 in Bayonet Head. After headbutting the victim, he punched her in the back and grabbed her hair with the pair struggling with one another after falling to the ground. During the struggle, Hill punched the victim in the face, splitting her lip and bruising her nose. The victim took herself to Albany Health Campus for treatment and reported the attack at Albany Police Station the same day. Hill’s defence lawyer Lisa Riley asked Magistrate Richard Huston to consider a fine and a spent conviction. She said prior to the offending her client was of good character and he understood that his reaction was disproportionate, and he should have walked away from the situation. Mr Huston said any type of violence was “entirely unnecessary” and that a headbutt could have “far more serious consequences” than a split lip and bruised face. “Relationship violence is of the utmost concern — it’s entirely unnecessary,” he said. “If you’re in a relationship and you care for someone . . . nothing ever warrants that kind of outcome. “Any targeting of a partner by way of violence is totally and completely unacceptable. “The community is exhausted — fed up — by men who just don’t get the message. “The message needs to be no violence ever, no matter the context.” Mr Huston said Hill had “manned up” by presenting to court and pleading guilty. Hill was granted a spent conviction by Mr Huston, who told him to not “come back asking for another one”. Hill was placed on a 12-month community based order with program and supervision requirements. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.