Timothy Barry Gilbert: Geraldton man convicted of striking 16-year-old pregnant daughter in the head

A 37-year-old Geraldton man has been convicted of striking his 16-year-old pregnant daughter in the head with a frying pan.

Timothy Barry Gilbert appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday via video link, where he was sentenced after being convicted of unlawful wounding with a circumstance of aggravation.

Police told the court that on August 7 last year, the victim was standing at her front door holding a broom when an argument broke out with Gilbert over her boyfriend.

The victim then ran inside to the kitchen yelling that he had struck her with the broom handle while Gilbert followed her inside.

The victim’s mother stood between them and the victim picked up a kitchen knife from the table as Gilbert approached.

Gilbert then grabbed a frying pan and reached past the mother standing between them and struck his daughter in the head.

The victim suffered lacerations to the head and needed two staples put in.

Magistrate Angus Hockton said the victim was in a vulnerable situation.

“She was a vulnerable victim because you are a big strong man and she is a smaller and pregnant female,” he said.

“The victim was armed with a knife but you were not acting in self-defence.”

Given the seriousness of the charges, Mr Hockton said that a fine would not be just punishment.

“A fine and community services is not appropriate when you were armed with a weapon,” he said.

“Those who should be looking up to you as a role model will take that to their household.”

Mr Hockton noted the rough living situation Gilbert had been in and how he was still trying to attend programs.

“I recognise Geraldton has a terrible housing situation and you were in an overcrowded situation,” he said.

“You were willing to partake in a program given your circumstances.”

The magistrate handed Gilbert a seven-month imprisonment term, suspended for nine months.