Corey Justin Brian Woods: Albany man receives suspended jail time for ‘frightening’ domestic violence

An Albany man who threw a pint glass at his pregnant partner and smashed her car window after an argument about football practice has avoided immediate jail. Corey Justin Brian Woods pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and criminal damage in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday. The 28-year-old became enraged during an argument with his partner on March 25, throwing a large pint glass at her, hitting her toe and causing a 1.5cm cut, then threatening to smash her car window. As the victim tried to leave the Orana address in her car, Woods smashed the vehicle’s back window and swung at the car a further two times, causing $500 in damage. Woods was arrested later the same day and told police “I didn’t know the glass would hurt her — I just get angry sometimes”. Woods’ defence lawyer Kyah Langdon said the argument began because the victim did not want Woods to go to football training that day. Ms Langdon said her client’s response to the argument was an “overreaction” and her client, who has anger issues, acknowledged he would have to change his behaviour. Ms Langdon told the court Woods had been engaging with Palmerston and wanted to reconcile with the victim. She said her client had a limited record, with his last offence being in 2023, and asked the court to consider a fine or a community based order. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said there was “no way in the world I would consider fines”. She said Woods did not throw the glass with the intent of harming the victim but it did constitute causing harm. Ms O’Donnell said the offending would have been “really frightening” to the victim and Woods could not hope to reconcile with her if “you let yourself get out of control”. She said prison was warranted but Woods should be given the opportunity to serve his sentence in the community. Woods was sentenced to eight months prison, suspended for 10 months, with program and supervision requirements. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.