Matthew Peter White, 45, is accused of committing an assault against a man in central Gungahlin. Photo: Region.
A man has been banned from Gungahlin Marketplace after he allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on his partially blind victim while using a charity van service.
Matthew Peter White, 45, has been charged with assault over the allegations.
It is reported he was using a service provided by a charity van on Hibberson Street in central Gungahlin on Tuesday (5 May) when he began yelling at a member of the public.
He allegedly punched this man twice in the head and neck region, then pushed and struck him again, the ACT Magistrates Court heard.
Magistrate Robert Cook said, unknown to White, the man was partially blind and had difficulties defending himself from the alleged unprovoked assault.
White applied for bail in the Magistrates Court on Wednesday (7 May), and his lawyer, Legal Aid’s Alyssa Zanardo, said he would agree not to enter Gungahlin Marketplace if he were granted bail.
She said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression, but had recently been struggling to get regular treatment and medication.
She also said he had worked in landscaping for 15 years and wanted to return to that line of employment.
The prosecutor opposed bail on the likelihood of White endangering the safety of the community.
She alleged he had responded in “such a severe manner” to a benign disagreement.
Magistrate Cook noted the allegations were of an unprovoked attack on a member of the public, but he was satisfied bail conditions could ameliorate the risks of alleged reoffending and granted bail.
Under the conditions, White must report to a police station, live in Amaroo, not contact his alleged victim and not enter Gungahlin Marketplace.
The matter was adjourned to 29 May for a plea or mention.
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