Ethan Ungerboeck, 20, hobbled into a Sydney court on crutches after breaking his toe ahead of sentencing for domestic violence offences against his ex-girlfriend. Aside from his mental health issues, Magistrate Michael Barko said other factors, including his youth and lack of criminal history, led to the charges being dismissed on Monday. Section 14 allows anyone charged with a criminal offence to avoid conviction if they have a mental health impairment or cognitive issue. He also referred to hospital and psychiatric reports, along with a chronology prepared by his mother of all hospitalisations and mental health issues, dating back to when he was six. 'His mother's summary clearly shows this is not some forensic manoeuvre [to avoid conviction], it’s just a culmination of long-term mental health impairment.'

Source: Daily Mail February 09, 2026 06:37 UTC