A homeless man with schizophrenia has been jailed for seven months after repeatedly punching a woman on a Metro bus when she asked him to move seats.
Zelaki Zelaki Magaza, 32, pleaded guilty to assault over the February 2024 attack, which left his 56-year-old victim with a broken nose and lasting psychological trauma.
Supreme Court Justice Michael Brett described the violence as “brutal and sustained”.
The assault happened about 10am when Magaza boarded a mostly empty bus and sat directly beside the woman.
When she asked him to move, he refused and an argument broke out.
The situation escalated after the woman made comments about Magaza smelling of cigarette smoke and what he perceived as a racist remark.
When she attempted to physically move him, Magaza responded by punching her more than 10 times to the face and head.
“You attacked the head of your victim with numerous blows and this in itself was a very dangerous thing to do,” Justice Brett said.
The woman suffered a nasal fracture, bruising and ongoing anxiety that has made it difficult for her to use public transport.
Magaza has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been living rough in the lead-up to the offence.
Justice Brett acknowledged his mental health struggles but said the seriousness of the crime demanded immediate jail time.
“I do not consider that any provocation arising from comments made during the argument with this woman justified your response,” he said.
“You were just as much to blame for that disagreement as she was and in any event there was no reason for you to engage in violence to this extent.”
The sentence was backdated to June 23, 2025, when Magaza was first remanded in custody. He will not be eligible for parole.
