Drunken night out ends in $8000 shop damage and severed Achilles for young man

A 21-year-old man smashed an Albany CBD shop window on a drunken night out, causing $8000 worth of damage to the business and severely injuring his leg. Callum Connor Lawler Woods appeared in the Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to damaging property at The Health Nut on Peels Place. Police prosecutor Sgt Mike Russell told the court Lawler Woods had been at Studio 146 drinking with friends before the incident on Sunday, October 4. “Intoxicated, the accused left the nightclub alone and was walking on Peels Place and passed The Health Nut store,” Sgt Russell said. Lawler Woods kicked at a window with his right foot, smashing the glass and causing $4000 damage, the court heard. Glass shards ruined the interior carpet, causing another $4000 worth of damage. Sgt Russell told the court Lawler Woods severed his Achilles tendon. Lawler Woods was taken to hospital by members of the public, Sgt Russell said. “An $8000 bill is catastrophic to a small business that may be struggling in the current financial climate,” he said. Sgt Russell opposed a spent conviction and said police were seeking a significant fine. “The community is sick to death of these alcohol-fuelled offences,” he said. “At the end of the day, someone has to be accountable.” Lawler Woods, who represented himself in court, said it was a “drunken mistake”. Magistrate Raelene Johnston said the damage was a significant hit to a vulnerable small business. Ms Johnston fined the man $800 and granted him a spent conviction. “Hopefully, you’ve learnt from this given the injury you’ve sustained,” she said.