Injury helps Denmark man avoid prison after using a shovel to damage brother’s $100,000 vehicle

A 20-year-old Denmark man who caused almost $12,000 damage to his brother’s vehicle while on a suspended prison sentence has avoided jail because he needs ongoing medical treatment for a serious leg injury. Isaac Thomas Lott, 20, appeared in the Albany Magistrate’s Court on October 8, pleading guilty to a charge of criminal damage relating to an incident in January. Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court about 1am on January 26, Lott was at his mother’s house in Hay when he extensively damaged his brother’s car. “The accused was under the influence of alcohol,” Sgt Loverock said. “During an altercation with his older brother which became physical, the accused became angry, approached the victim’s vehicle with a shovel, hitting the vehicle multiple times,.” The victim’s car was a 2019 Toyota LandCruiser valued at about $100,000, the court was told. Lott caused almost $12,000 worth of damage. Sgt Loverock said Lott’s explanation for the offence was he “wanted to get back at him and knew his car was the only thing he cared about other than his ‘missus’.” Defence counsel Graham Payne said the pair had got into an argument about money. Mr Payne said Lott’s actions breached his suspended prison order and 10-month community-based order. In an accident not related to the January events, Lott was involved in a motorcycle crash in which the bike’s handlebars went through one of his legs. Lott had undergone 16 surgeries since February and would need ongoing medical treatment due to troubles with infections, Mr Payne told the court. Sgt Loverock said the prosecution noted Lott’s complex medical issues and considered prison might not be appropriate. Magistrate Raelene Johnston said Lott’s behaviour showed a lack of restraint, judgment and control. “You have significant difficulties with your injury ... for you to serve a term of imprisonment in a wheelchair needing ongoing treatment will create significant difficulties,” Ms Johnston said. “The prospect of committing another offence is unlikely.” Lott was issued a six-month community-based order and ordered to pay a fine of $1000. At the time of the January offence, he was already serving a suspended prison sentence. In March last year, Lott was convicted on a string of charges including seven counts of reckless driving and one count of offering to sell methamphetamine.