Warnbro man Alik Scott Melling spared jail over ‘persistent’ DV

A Warnbro man who repeatedly beat his girlfriend and “accidentally” stuck a finger in her eye during one of his assaults, has been spared jail. Alik Scott Melling, 29, appeared in Rockingham Magistrate’s Court last week and was sentenced to 16 months’ jail conditionally suspended for 12 months after assaulting his girlfriend four times and breaching a restraining order. Police prosecutor Sergeant Naomi Foster said on February 5 last year, Melling was at his Warnbro home with his girlfriend when an argument broke out. Melling punched the victim in the upper arms and pushed the victim’s face into the couch when his finger “slipped into her eye socket”. He stopped when he realised what had happened and tried to help, however a second argument broke out and he grabbed the victim’s right leg and “twisted it at the knee”. Sgt Foster said the victim received bruising and swelling to the right eye and had evident bruising on both arms. She said about a week later, Melling punched his girlfriend at their home causing bruising. On March 1, Melling pushed the victim on to the floor and forced her down by her chest. On April 11, Melling and his girlfriend got into an argument and he pushed the victim into a window. Police were called to the home and Melling was arrested. Melling’s lawyer said his client had been taking part in programs that help perpetrators of domestic violence change their behaviour and his report was positive. His lawyer asked Magistrate Vivien Edwards to consider a community-based order. Magistrate Edwards said she noted the “persistent violent behaviour” but because he had a job and a new, pregnant partner, she conditionally suspended the term. If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732.