Simon Gordon Shanks avoids immediate jail time for assaulting man who tried to diffuse argument in Denmark

A Denmark man has avoided immediate jail time after repeatedly punching a good Samaritan who tried to defuse an argument. Simon Gordon Shanks, 37, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and disorderly behaviour in public in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday. Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court that about 5.05pm on Friday, March 25, Shanks was shouting and arguing with a female witness on Rockford Street in Denmark. During the argument, Shanks was causing damage to his own car which was parked in front of the woman’s car. There were two children aged four and six sitting inside the woman’s car, Sgt Loverock said. The victim, concerned about the welfare of the woman and children, approached Shanks and urged him to leave. Shanks then swore and “leapt out of the vehicle and rapidly approached the victim”, Sgt Loverock said. Shanks punched the man to the left side of the jaw then threw two more punches at his head, before the pair fell to the ground with Shanks on top. Sgt Loverock said Shanks held him “around the neck area, pinning him to the ground” then “pushed the victim’s head into the bitumen, causing a deep abrasion”. The female witness told police she could see Shanks continuing to punch the victim in the rib area and tried to pull him away before a relative came to the scene to calm him. The victim was treated at Denmark Health Campus for a 3cm “deep graze” on his forehead, which was red, swollen and bleeding down his face. He had an X-ray on his jaw. Defence lawyer Graham Payne said his client had been drinking on the day of the incident and had a history of mental health issues. His former partner, who was present at the scene, provided a character reference statement in support of him. “Alcohol has caused him problems a number of times over the years,” Mr Payne said. Magistrate Kevin Tavener said that the incident would have been “quite frightening for people”, particularly in a small town like Denmark. “It is quite a considerable matter to assault someone who was doing the right thing at the time,” the magistrate said. Shanks received a seven-month prison sentence, suspended for eight months. Mental health helplines | healthdirect