Source : Perth Now news
When asked to leave a group drinks, Anthony Clairvo Meunier claimed he had lost his keys and had nowhere to go.
He did not survive the ensuing argument.
Brandon James Ogborne repeatedly stomped on Mr Meunier’s chest and hit him with a wooden broom handle that broke due to the force used.
The killer continued drinking and listening to music as Mr Meunier fought for breath and suffered a “slow and painful death” on a unit verandah, a Supreme Court judge said on Monday.
“Whatever he did to annoy you, however this unfolded, he was no threat to you,” Justice Peter Callaghan told the killer.
Mr Meunier, 52, was found dead on the unit verandah in Shorncliffe, in Brisbane’s northeast, on the afternoon of September 25, 2022.
Ogborne, 38, was originally charged with murder but instead pleaded guilty on Monday to manslaughter.
Mr Meunier, who had an acquired brain injury, had been part of a group drinking in Ogborne’s unit and was asked to leave after becoming “absolutely paralytic”.
The pair were arguing at the unit’s back door at 1:38am when witnesses heard Ogborne say: “I got you home from the pub, what are you crying about – I’ll kick the shit out of you”.
Ogborne stomped on Mr Meunier’s chest an unknown number of times and assaulted him with the broom handle that broke into pieces, the court was told.
Mr Meunier suffered severe chest injuries and was unable to breathe as he collapsed on the unit’s verandah.
After the “vicious and brutal” assault, Ogborne continued drinking and later discussed disposing of the body before giving false accounts of the night to police, crown prosecutor Michael Gawrych said.
Mr Meunier’s brother and sister-in-law were in court to hear the sentencing on Monday.
His family did not read from victim impact statements but Justice Callaghan accepted they had suffered a profound loss.
“On the night before his death he was described as friendly and happy,” he said.
“I hope those who were part of his life can remember him in this way.
“I hope they accept that the court does understand the impact of a death like this can be devastating in ways that cannot ever really be expressed.”
Defence barrister Patrick Wilson KC said his client was remorseful and had been affected by drugs at the time.
Ogborne was now working towards rehabilitation, he said.
The judge said Ogborne mounted a sustained and intense attack on a vulnerable and intoxicated man and showed callous disregard afterwards by going to get alcohol instead of checking on Mr Meunier’s welfare.
Ogborne was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment with a requirement that he serve at least 80 per cent in custody.
With time served, he will be eligible for parole in 2032.
