Poppy Morandin from Australian Law Advocates helped a Western Sydney grandfather avoid full-time custody after sentencing for a domestic assault. With urgent legal action, rehabilitative planning, and strong submissions, we secured a community-based outcome for a serious offence.
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm in Bankstown Court
Our client, in his 60s, was sentenced at Bankstown Local Court after a domestic incident involving multiple strikes to his wife, causing injuries to her head and face. Bail had initially been refused, and the family contacted us urgently. We quickly secured his release on bail and began building a sentencing plan.
The Charge
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – Section 59, Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
This offence carries up to 5 years’ imprisonment in a domestic setting. Serious injuries and repeated blows made this a matter where prison was a real possibility.
Turning the Case Around
After release, we gave the client and his family a clear action plan:
Character references from children and grandchildren
GP reports confirming medical conditions
Anger management and domestic violence course enrolment
Ongoing counselling
The family followed all recommendations. We submitted verified records and progress updates to the court. Ms Morandin presented these in a structured and persuasive sentencing submission.
Outcome: Community-Based Sentence
The court imposed an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO) instead of jail. Conditions included:
Community Corrections supervision
Mandatory rehabilitation programs
Random drug/alcohol testing
This allowed our client to stay employed and continue supporting his children and grandchildren.
Understanding the Legal Context
AOABH is treated seriously in NSW. But where the accused shows genuine remorse and early rehabilitation, courts may consider ICOs — custodial sentences served in the community. These are not soft options, and breaching them can lead to jail.
Read more about domestic assault charges in NSW.
Tayla’s Insight
“When someone shows they’re taking responsibility and making changes, courts can deliver justice without resorting to prison. That was the result here — and it was earned.
What made this outcome possible wasn’t just the client’s actions — it was the legal groundwork behind the scenes. From the moment we got the call, everything was mapped out. We anticipated the risks, built a compelling sentencing framework, and supported it with verified evidence. We worked with doctors, psychologists, and the client’s family to give the court a complete picture. This wasn’t about luck — it was the result of detailed preparation and precision.”
