Albany man gets extra jail time for brutal DV assault committed while on bail for grievous bodily harm

An Albany man left his former partner needing seven staples in her head after an attack while he was on bail on a charge of grievous bodily harm. Denver Joseph Chadd, 39, appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday via video-link from Albany Regional Prison, after pleading guilty to aggravated unlawful wounding. On March 25 last year, Chadd was sentenced to 18 months jail for grievous bodily harm against another victim and was scheduled to be released in September. But in court last week he received an additional six months in prison stemming from a separate domestic violence attack on his then-partner. Police prosecutor Sergeant Alan Dean told the court the incident happened inside a Spencer Park home about 2am on March 17 last year. “The victim and accused were at a home address in Spencer Park drinking and taking methamphetamine,” Sgt Dean said. “The accused was acting in an irrational manner, becoming aggressive and intimidating to the victim.” Sgt Dean told the court Chadd punched the woman in the head and face “25 times before she broke free”. He then took a metal rod to the victim’s head causing an injury that required seven staples. The victim “left the property screaming” but Chadd chased her down until he caught her and placed her in a headlock, Sgt Dean said. The woman managed to get to Albany Health Campus where she was treated for her injuries which included severe bruising and swelling to her head. Chadd was arrested by police about 4am that morning. Defence lawyer Elizabeth Hamilton told the court Chadd was at the time on bail for GBH he committed in January last year. “There is nothing I can do to argue against a term of imprisonment,” Ms Hamilton told the court. Sgt Dean agreed the only appropriate sentence was immediate jail. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan sentenced Chadd to an additional six months, noting he had spent a “significant time” incarcerated. “This was a protracted violent offence in a family situation,” Ms Scaddan said.