Paul McGirr has successfully argued for charges against former Channel 9 presenter Cameron Williams to be dismissed under section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020.
After successful negotiations, the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was withdrawn by police, however Magistrate Hockey discharged Mr Williams into the care of his psychologist in relation to the offence of common assault.
The agreed facts reveal the conversation about their future escalated into a “loud verbal argument” during which Mr Williams laid his hands on his partner.
The court heard the former Channel 9 stalwart grabbed Ms Russo on the upper arms and pushed her backwards. She then kicked him away, according to the facts.
“This is a very unfortunate incident,” Mr McGirr acknowledged.
He described the altercation as “two adults having a discussion” about the possibility of reconciliation.
“There is no striking, no hitting and no punching,” Magistrate Hockey agreed.
The court heard Mr Williams’ consumption of alcohol and prescription medication contributed to the incident.
Magistrate Hockey accepted Mr Williams had been struggling with his mental health for more than a year which acted to reduce his moral culpability.
He categorised the assault as an “impulsive reaction”.
The magistrate dismissed the assault charge on the grounds that Mr Williams was mentally unwell at the time.