Man who fought extradition convicted for bashing woman

Nicholas was convicted over two incidents that took place in 2015, one in which he punched the victim in the face and a second where he threw her to the ground, causing serious internal injuries.

Following the second incident, the woman suffered a ruptured spleen and had to spend more than a week in hospital, including time in intensive care. 

Despite knowing there were charges against him at the time, the British national travelled to the United Kingdom in July 2015, days before he was due to appear in a Sydney court.

Nicholas was arrested in England in 2021 and fought extradition, but he was eventually returned to Australia in February 2023 where he has remained behind bars. 

During a brief cross-examination before his sentencing at Sydney's Downing Centre Court on Thursday, he said his violence had been motivated by jealousy. 

He said the 2015 argument was escalated by the woman hitting his chest and his violent reaction but at the time he had not realised the extent of her injuries.

But the prosecutor argued Nicholas did not help the victim get to hospital, despite her telling him she was in excruciating pain. 

She also argued his decision to leave Australia despite knowing the victim had been in hospital should be taken into account during sentencing. 

"(Nicholas) knew of the seriousness of the victim's condition prior to him leaving (Australia)," the prosecutor said.

"At the very least he knew he had caused physical harm to her, caused injuries and that she was in hospital for some time and was in ICU, yet despite that he still left the country."

Defence lawyer James Clements pointed out Nicholas became emotional when he spoke about discovering the extent of the woman's injuries. 

"We say his remorse is indicated by his early guilty plea and the evidence he gave in which he expressed significant remorse once he discovered the extent of the injuries," he said.

The court heard since returning to the UK, Nicholas had been in a long-term relationship with a woman, who gave evidence that his previous violent behaviour was out of character.

In sentencing, Judge Andrew Scotting took into account Nicholas' early guilty plea, his time spent behind bars and his lack of prior convictions. 

The judge also accepted Nicholas had a low risk of re-offending and was satisfied he had accepted responsibility for his actions by undertaking multiple domestic violence programs while in custody. 

"His rehabilitation will be best achieved by an early return to the UK," Judge Scotting said.

Nicholas was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 18 months. 

With time already served, he is eligible for release on parole on February 15, 2024.

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