Susan McGowan said household violence was all too prevalent in the region, with the message still not getting through to perpetrators that such behaviour will not be tolerated by the community or the courts.

“When one comes to sentencing a person for domestic violence the courts of higher authority make it clear...about the importance of general deterrence,” she said.

“Unfortunately domestic violence in this region goes on unabated, no matter how many resources are thrown at it.”

Her comments were aired in connection with the sentencing of Horsley man Glenn Edward Nicholson, who confessed to pinning his estranged wife against the garage wall with his car at the couple’s Oak Flats home in January this year, leaving her with a broken leg.

The court heard Nicholson had assaulted the woman twice in the past, including once on January 20, two days prior to the car incident.

The woman told police she was getting ready to go out on the evening of January 22 when Nicholson appeared in her bedroom and said “I’m taking the f—king car”.

He then drove off in the vehicle, however returned a short time later after the woman text messaged him asking for it to be returned.

The court heard she was standing in the garage when Nicholson drove in at a speed that forced the woman to move backwards quickly.

He moved the vehicle forward until he connected with the woman, pinning her between the wall and the car.

He later drove her to hospital, where she disclosed what had occurred.

Nicholson was arrested and charged with assault. Police documents noted officers observed blood on the vehicle when it was inspected.

Magistrate McGowan sentenced Nicholson to 18 months jail, with a non-parole period of 12 months, saying his behaviour was alarming.