Wollongong Local Court hears assault and forgery cases

Two separate legal matters were addressed at the Wollongong Local Court.

Shane Beards, a 54-year-old coal miner, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident at the Centennial Hotel in Helensburgh on June 13. Beards attacked a security guard with a series of punches after being denied re-entry to the premises. The victim sustained a black eye and facial swelling. During sentencing, the court noted that alcohol was a factor and that the unprovoked attack was entirely disproportionate to the situation.

In a separate case, 36-year-old Timothy Clayton Mansfield appeared via video link from prison to be sentenced for making a false document to influence public duty. Mansfield admitted to forging a doctor's certificate to assist an associate in bypassing bail conditions related to an alleged murder investigation. Mansfield claimed he acted out of fear of repercussions rather than financial gain. Although the fraudulent document was created, police stated it was never used by the associate.