COURT REPORTAGE

A Judge at the Count Court of Victoria has hit out at a Melbourne based construction worker yesterday for his lack of handling his drug use before the wake-up call he is now facing.

Patrick Hopkins, 29, has pleaded guilty for the two charges of burglary and causing severe injury on March 3 this year.

Hopkins arrived unannounced at a Clyde Street Mall apartment in Frankston, wanting to obtain drugs from the victim.

At approximately 12:17am, Hopkins entered a vacant office in order to gain access into the apartment building.

The two men came into contact in the apartment carpark where an altercation occurred. The victim was left with an 8cm laceration to his right forearm caused by a large meat cleaver allegedly obtained by the offender upon entry.

Hopkins has no prior history of crime and his mental health is suffering due to a breakdown of a long-term relationship, said the Defence Lawyer.

Judge Pullen responded and pointed out Hopkins involvement in drugs saying he “has done nothing” about it and needs drug counselling. It is “blaringly obvious”, the Judge said.

Despite agreeing the offence is “out of character” for the offender, the injury caused to the victim was serious, said the Prosecutor.

The court case is to be continued for sentencing.