Community service for prolonged assault in Lower Pollet

Friday 08 January 2021

A man has been sentenced to 70 hours of community service for punching another multiple times in the face.

Neculai Neagu, 23, was saved from an immediate custodial sentence by showing “genuine remorse” for his actions.

Pictured: The Lower Pollet has been a focal point for alcohol related violence in recent months.

Neagu had been drinking in Fusion nightclub on 8 November last year. After leaving the club, there was a brief exchange between Neagu and the victim, before he assaulted them. The entire incident was caught on CCTV and played in court during the prosecution.

After being shown the footage, Neagu said he had no recollection of the incident or any idea why he had reacted in the way he did.

The victim suffered several blows to the face but did not put in an official complaint.

Pictured: Neagu appeared in the Magistrate's Court for sentencing.

During sentencing, Judge Graeme McKerrell appreciated the sincere apology from Neagu and his co-operation with the police.

“The custody threshold has been crossed, however, your genuine remorse saves you from custody.”

Pictured top: Neagu couldn’t offer an explanation for his actions.