Perry James Francis receives suspended prison term over coward-punch attack

A Busselton man has been handed a suspended prison term after a brutal coward-punch attack on a supposed friend.

Perry James Francis appeared in Busselton Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault causing bodily harm.

In the early hours of November 20 last year, Francis and some friends were having a social gathering at a Quindalup Airbnb.

After a few drinks, Francis and his victim got into a verbal altercation, in which Francis accused the man of being a “sleaze” and acting inappropriately towards his own partner.

The argument escalated resulting in Francis punching the man in the right side of the head, rendering him unconscious for five minutes.

The victim was sent to hospital with his injuries including a cut on his head and a hematoma.

When handing down the sentence Magistrate Benjamin Tyers said the offence was “too serious” to impose a fine.

“I feel it (a fine) would not adequately deal with the seriousness of offending behaviour,” he said.

“This act in completely inexcusable.”

Magistrate Tyers subsequently imposed a nine month imprisonment term, suspended for 12 months.

The defence submitted Francis was “extremely remorseful” for his actions and had written an apology to his victim, should they wish to receive it.