Geraldton man Daniel Joseph Lee jailed until 2027 for ‘tragic’ and ‘violent’ home burglary attack

One of three Geraldton men accused of a violent home invasion which left a man with a cracked skull has been sentenced to more than seven years jail. Daniel Joseph Lee appeared in the District Court on Monday after pleading guilty to aggravated home burglary, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated grievous bodily harm and stealing charges. His two co-accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are due to stand trial next year. State prosecutor Craig Astill told the court Lee had intended to purchase cannabis from the victims at a Wonthella property on April 24. But an altercation broke out and it is alleged Lee and his co-accused forced their way into the property then started assaulting three male victims. Lee pleaded guilty to being involved in attacks which left one man with an open skull fracture and bleeding on the brain. It is understood he now suffers epilepsy and weakness to his left side. Another victim was treated for injuries to his scalp, lip and shoulder blade while the third victim did not require treatment for his cuts and bruises. Judge Wendy Gillan described the offending as “tragic” and “very serious”, with the aggravated home burglary charge carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars. She accepted Lee was “truly remorseful” for the harm his offending had caused but said he did have a history of being “a danger in the community”. “It’s going to have to be your work with yourself, on yourself, that causes you to step away from that, and I very much hope, for the sake of the community and for you, that you’re able to do that,” she said. Judge Gillan sentenced Lee to 7½ years imprisonment and made him eligible for parole in 2025.