Shocking moment disability pensioner is bashed by her neighbour for SMOKING – as she calls for him to be deported back to New Zealand
- A disability pensioner was assaulted by a stranger in an underground car park
- Rewi Michael Borell, 44, attacked his neighbour, 36-year-old Emma Martin
- The incident started when he noticed her smoking in a non-smoking zone
- He was sentenced to four months jail and will spend two years on probation
Rewi Michael Borell (pictured) attacked his neighbour, 36-year-old Emma Martin
A disability pensioner who was assaulted by a stranger in an underground car park claims she lives in constant fear and ‘basically like a hermit’ after the attack.
Rewi Michael Borell attacked his neighbour, 36-year-old Emma Martin, when he saw her smoking in the basement of their apartment complex in Southport, on the Gold Coast, on November 12.
The New Zealand-born 44-year-old was filmed punching, kicking and screaming at Ms Martin by a distressed friend, who repeatedly asked him to stop in the footage.
Ms Martin was at one stage cowering on the concrete floor as Borell continued to kick her, telling her she wasn’t ‘allowed to smoke in the garage’.
She claimed she suffered a fractured skull, broken jaw and ruptured eardrum as a result of the attack.
The victim told Southport Magistrates Court she struggles to sleep and has nightmares since the attack
The victim told Southport Magistrates Court she struggles to sleep and has nightmares since the attack.
She also said she lives in constant fear of another assault and rarely leaves her home.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Bob Soper told the court the attack lasted until Ms Martin ‘blacked out’, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
‘She describes herself as a hermit, living in a constant state of fear,’ Sgt Soper said.
Magistrate Pam Dowse described Borell’s reaction as a ‘disproportionate’ response to Ms Martin smoking in the basement.
Ms Martin was at one stage cowering on the concrete floor as Borell continued to kick her, telling her she wasn’t ‘allowed to smoke in the garage’
‘It can only be described as disgraceful, cowardly, shocking and horrible to see,’ she said.
Borell’s barrister Marty Longhurst argued his client grew up in a dysfunctional home and was homeless by 13.
Borell, a father-of-two, received a four month custodial sentence for his actions, was ordered to pay Ms Martin $1,500 and will spend two years on probation once released.
But Ms Martin says the punishment was too lenient.
She said she hopes he faces deportation to New Zealand upon release.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has the power to order someone who is ‘not of good character’ to be deported.
Magistrate Pam Dowse described Borell’s reaction as a ‘disproportionate’ response to Ms Martin smoking in the basement