A Bunbury man with a 35-page criminal history dating back to the 1980s has been given a suspended prison sentence for months of offending including assault, theft and indecent acts in public.
Maitland James Anderson, 56, appeared via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to a string of charges over several months.
Anderson’s lawyer, Sarah Reynolds, argued for a suspended sentence, highlighting her client’s troubled past and recent efforts to address his behavior.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Emily Green acknowledged Anderson’s extensive criminal record but noted his willingness to engage with support services.
While Anderson will avoid immediate imprisonment, Magistrate Green warned him that any further criminal behavior would result in the activation of his suspended sentence.
The case has sparked debate among legal experts and social workers about the effectiveness of suspended sentences for repeat offenders with a history of serious crimes.
