A couple’s drunken night out in Devonport, which ended in hospitalisation after an intense argument, has landed a man with a six-month suspended jail term.
Cohen James Flannery was convicted and sentenced for one count of wounding following the October 2022 argument with his then-boyfriend in the Burnie Supreme Court this week.
The court heard how Flannery, who was 19 years old at the time, and his then-boyfriend had traveled to Melbourne in early October.
While there, an altercation resulted in Flannery damaging his partner’s phone and assaulting him.
The incident led to a family violence intervention order from Victoria Police, prohibiting further violence against Flannery’s partner.
On October 29, 2022, just days later, the couple, who were experiencing difficulties in their relationship, went to the Pub Rock Diner in Devonport, where they “consumed a significant quantity of alcohol” before returning home around 4:30 am.
Exhausted and intoxicated, they engaged in a heated argument that saw Flannery throw an object at his boyfriend, causing a 5cm chin laceration that required stitches.
Justice Tamara Jago said Flannery has shown remorse and accepted that the wound was recklessly and not intentionally caused.
Justice Jago said the relationship had since ended and Flannery was now in a new, loving, and supportive relationship.
Flannery has reduced his alcohol and drug use and aspires to pursue a career in carpentry after a recent stint at a fast-food restaurant.
Justice Jago described Flannery’s behaviour as foolish and dangerous and sentenced him to six months in prison, wholly suspended for two years.
