A Melton West man has been given a community corrections order despite being non-compliant to similar orders and aggressive towards corrections services staff in the past.
But a judge warned him that if he broke the order this time, he would be sent to jail.
Shane Bowler, 33, pleaded guilty in May to attempted aggravated burglary and common assault offences from two years ago.
Last month, a County Court judge ordered Bowler to do 200 hours of unpaid community work, undergo alcohol and drug rehabilitation and anger management courses and be supervised for the next two years.
The court heard, in 2013, Bowler asked his former neighbour to mind two cars left to him by his late father.
When Bowler found out the cars had been stolen, he shouldered and kicked the neighbour’s front door while yelling and threatening him and his partner.
He also grabbed the woman’s arm, causing pain, redness and swelling.
The court heard Bowler left when he heard children inside crying and screaming.
“Your actions on this day were driven by your anger at [the victim] for what you perceived to be a betrayal of your friendship by him,” Judge John Carmody said.
“In your record of interview, you have expressed remorse for your offending.”
Judge Carmody heard Bowler had drug abuse problems over a long period and a 19-page criminal history.
A Corrections Community Order report presented to court classed Bowler as unsuitable for a corrections order because of previous non-compliance and an aggressive attitude towards corrections services officials. But Judge Carmody said Bowler’s remorse at the time of his initial police interview and a guilty plea were positive signs for his rehabilitation.
“You show your appreciation by never coming back here on a breach,” Judge Carmody said.
“You have breached every one [corrections order] you have been given to date and you have still got breach proceedings in front of you.
“If you breach this one, have absolutely no doubt, I will put you in jail.”
Bowler said he would not be back to the courts and “not even in a police station”.
“The last time I was remanded made me wake up a hell of a lot, your honour,” he said.
