Justin Wong today represented a client charged with serious offences arising from a disagreement in a Sydney kitchen.

Our client was a 27 year old international student. Whilst studying, he was working as a chef in a local Japanese Restaurant in Sydney.

Whilst at work, an argument started in the kitchen with another chef. After some pushing by both men, our client picked up a knife and briefly held it to the victim to scare him. He then dropped the knife and police were called.

Police charged our client with Armed with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence. This is a serious offence and carries a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment in the District Court, and 2 years in the Local Court.

After some successful negotiations on our clients behalf with the police, a plea of guilty was entered and he was today sentenced in a Local Court in Sydney.

Written material was tendered, including character references from his employer, a letter of apology to the victim, and documentation indicating that his visa to stay in Australia had been cancelled and he risked being deported.

Justin Wong, who represented our client, made submissions and asked the court to consider imposing a fine and a good behaviour bond. This was because of his prior clean record, his remorse, that it was out of character, because no one was physically harmed, and because he had co-operated and plead guilty.

The magistrate agreed, and our client received a $770 fine and a good behaviour bond.

Photo by Cleyder Quiroz