A Bendigo man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment for a brutal attack that shocked the Long Gully community, after a court heard he repeatedly struck a victim with a cricket bat before deliberately driving a vehicle over the man's legs. The sentencing concludes a case that drew significant attention due to the extreme level of violence involved.
The offender, Anthony Read, appeared before the court where details of the assault were outlined. The attack occurred in Long Gully, a suburb of Bendigo, and escalated into a prolonged and violent confrontation. During the incident, the victim suffered multiple injuries after being assaulted with a cricket bat and then being run over by a vehicle, causing serious damage to his legs.
Judge Jennifer English described the offending as particularly serious and noted that Read had shown "extremely limited" remorse for his actions. The court heard that the violence had a devastating impact on the victim, leaving him with significant physical injuries as well as lasting psychological trauma.
Emergency services attended the scene following the assault, and the injured man received urgent medical treatment before undergoing a lengthy recovery. The court was told the attack had life-changing consequences, affecting the victim's mobility, wellbeing and everyday life.
During sentencing, the judge emphasised the need for both punishment and community protection, stating that violent crimes of this nature require substantial prison terms. The sentence also serves as a deterrent against serious assaults involving weapons and motor vehicles.
The case has renewed discussion in the Bendigo region about violent offending and hooning behaviour. Community members expressed concern about the dangers posed by reckless drivers and violent crime in residential neighbourhoods, while police reiterated their commitment to targeting repeat offenders and dangerous behaviour.
Authorities have encouraged anyone witnessing violent incidents or dangerous driving to report them immediately so police can respond quickly and prevent further harm.
The sentencing brings legal proceedings to a close, although the victim continues to recover from the lasting effects of the attack. The case has been described as one of the more serious assaults heard in the Bendigo courts in recent times, highlighting the severe legal consequences for violent criminal behaviour.
