Graham Clive Sandy: GNFL player sentenced for DV assault after choking, punching de facto girlfriend

A talented football player aspiring to make his way to WAFL level has avoided jail after being sentenced for a serious domestic violence attack on his girlfriend which saw him choke and punch her. Graham Clive Sandy, 20, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing over the February 2 attack on his de facto girlfriend of three years. The court was told Sandy and his partner were in their backyard drinking about 1.40am when an argument was sparked. Sandy verbally abused the victim and slapped her in the face inside the house, leading to a panic attack in the bedroom where she curled into a ball on the bed. Sandy then punched her on both sides of the ribs four times and climbed on top of her, wrapping his arm around her neck for about 30 seconds, causing her to vomit on release. The victim was taken to hospital by St John WA. Sandy pleaded guilty in June to aggravated unlawful assault and impeding a person’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck. The footballer, who plays for Brigades in the Great Northern Football League, also pleaded guilty to stealing, two counts each of breaching protective bail conditions and breaching a family violence restraining order in April and May this year. The court was told the couple met while the protective order was in place and Sandy took the victim’s clothing and bedding when she didn’t give permission, breaching conditions of the order. Defence lawyer George Giudice said a history of arguments between the couple led up to the violent incident. But regardless, Mr Giudice said his client was aware of the seriousness of his actions, felt great shame and understood what the victim went through. He said Sandy hoped to re-engage with WAFL, is on the East Fremantle list and “hasn’t drank alcohol even if he plays football”, making submissions for the magistrate to consider a spent conviction. Magistrate Angus Hockton said the assault was out of Sandy’s character, but it was a serious offence and wasn’t “just a slap in youthful anger”. He said because Sandy was working and engaged in positive recreation in the community he would suspend the term of imprisonment. “Usually domestic violence offenders have self-esteem issues, but you shouldn’t because of how well you’re doing in the community,” Mr Hockton said. Sandy was handed an eight-month prison sentence suspended for seven months. He has played all but one game this season for Brigades’ league side, who lost last weekend’s preliminary final — including after he admitted to the offending. Brigades Football Club president Dean Pascoe said Sandy was a fantastic footballer and if he continued to train hard and stick with it he would have a good career ahead of him. “He’s played footy for us all this year and racked up a few umpire votes this year. He’s a really quiet kid and is always around the footy club hanging around to help out the younger grades,” he said. “He’s always been an integral part of our league footy club this year. “Unfortunately we got knocked out last week otherwise he would be playing in the grand final.” Mr Pascoe declined to comment on the court case but said he believed Sandy could make it to WAFL level. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)