By Violet Li
A Cranbourne man who committed two serious assaults has been jailed for nine and a half years.
Joshua St Mart, 41, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to common law assault, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and driving whilst suspended across two incidents in 2022.
Wielding a knife, he attacked an unarmed man on 20 February 2022 – two days after he was bailed – as he believed the victim “stood over” his then-partner.
The attack involved stabbing, kicking, and punching which led to life-threatening injuries that required extensive treatment. The victim was hospitalised for six days and suffered psychological trauma after the incident.
Fifteen days later, St Mart committed the second offence when the then-partner was sorting out a dispute concerning car damage.
He approached the car owner’s father, pushed him to the ground, and kicked him once in the head area.
He then deliberately drove into the victim from behind. The victim sustained a fracture of his right shinbone, right ankle, and toe.
Sentencing judge Fran Dalziel stated on 22 August that each incident was serious, and each involved St Mart inflicting serious injury in the context of a dispute involving the then-partner.
St Mart was found to be drug-affected during both offences.
He was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) some years ago, but a psychologist noted that he did not currently meet the criteria for depression, anxiety, or any personal disorders.
The court noted a long criminal history since 2002, including sentences for dishonesty, similar assault offences, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
St Mart reportedly showed remorse to the second victim.
He said it was “one of the stupidest things I’ve done”.
The total sentence was nine years and six months’ imprisonment. St Mart will be eligible for parole in seven years.
