Two dogs trying to protect their owner from a drug addict on a violent rampage were stabbed in the process and had to get stapled up.
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Mark Anthony Davis, 45, confronted three brothers - two of them children - who were kicking a football in a Charnwood cul-de-sac on July 3 last year.
Appearing intoxicated himself, he asked the trio why they were hanging around outside a "junkie's house", then got a knife out of a nearby shed and threatened to stab the eldest.
Davis told him, "I'm going to kill you. I've had issues with you. Why are you still here?", before a neighbour walked out on her porch and yelled to Davis to leave the three alone.
He turned on her, threatening to kill her and calling her a "junkie slut", and forced his way into her home as she tried to shut her door.
The woman's dogs moved towards Davis and he backed out of the house, before he stabbed one of the dogs on its head on the porch. The woman went after him and smacked him in the head with a pole.
Davis punched her in the face repeatedly and left after the woman's other dog bit at him.
But Davis soon returned, yelling to the woman, "I'm going to kill you". He broke two of her windows and, when she came out of her home again, took her to the ground and dragged her from her porch.
Davis put his arm around the woman's throat and one of her dogs bit his arm. Davis stabbed the dog in its torso before the woman managed to get the knife off him and stab him back.
Neighbours ultimately intervened and tackled Davis; the woman was "visibly distressed and shaking", and her dogs had to undergo emergency veterinary treatment.
One had a puncture to its right ear and head, which had to be stapled, while the other sustained a "deep laceration" to the left side of its torso.
That dog also had to get staples. Both animals were later returned to their owner.
Davis pleaded guilty to a total nine charges over the incident, including one count of aggravated burglary, three counts of common assault, and two counts of animal cruelty.
He fronted the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday. Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson agreed his drug addiction was a significant factor behind his offending.
She ordered that Davis be assessed for a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order, which is a rehabilitation-focused sentence, to be served in the community rather than behind bars.
Davis has been in custody on remand since his arrest. Another judge will determine whether he is to be granted the order on February 19.
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Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
