A Eurobodalla man with almost 60 criminal charges on his record will spend at least two years behind bars after being convicted of further offences.
Matthew William Honan, 39, of Moruya, pleaded guilty to eight charges during his July 10 appearance in Batemans Bay Local Court, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, resisting arrest and driving in a reckless, furious or dangerous manner.
Magistrate Doug Dick said there was no alternative to jail, given Honan’s history of violent crime.
The court heard Honan had close to 60 criminal charges on his record, with almost half of those involving violence.
“I’ve got to protect the community … I’ve got to protect road users,” Mr Dick said.
“Your sister’s here and your son’s here (in court), it’s about time you stop disappointing them.”
Honan told the court he wished to put an end to the offending, penning a “heartfelt letter” to Mr Dick.
Mr Dick said the assault was a serious matter that resulted in the victim losing several teeth.
Defence solicitor Matthew Vincent said Honan had a history of mental illness and requested the court take into account these issues.
Honan is expected to be released on supervised parole in February 2019.
He was also fined $2300 and disqualified from driving for three years.
