An Australian man named Baiden Foley narrowly escaped a significant jail sentence for his brutal assaults on his girlfriend after a Magistrate made him pledge to behave. Foley pleaded guilty to six charges of extreme violence against his partner in Kalgoorlie Magistrate’s Court, following a series of violent attacks in April. Over several days, the 18-year-old carried out a distressing campaign of violence, repeatedly hitting his girlfriend with his fists and a metal broom, which he later used to stab her in the face. His charges included aggravated unlawful wounding, aggravated assault causing bodily harm, and making threats to harm.
Despite the severe violence, Foley was released back into the community after promising the Magistrate to behave. The court heard that Foley accused his girlfriend of cheating on him twice in April, leading to brutal beatings. During the first incident on April 20, he punched her, beat her with a metal broom, and left her with welts all over her body. Just four days later, he attacked her again with the same metal broom, this time stabbing her in the face with a sharp edge. Despite the extreme violence and threats, Foley was set free after promising to comply with court orders.
Magistrate Donna Webb described Foley’s actions as “horrendous” and “deeply disturbing,” expressing concern over the escalation of his offending despite his limited criminal history. Foley was placed on a 12-month community-based order, with his six-month jail term suspended for the full duration, along with a fine. Webb emphasized the seriousness of the domestic violence displayed by Foley and urged him to adhere to the court order.