3 days Ago By Albury Court
A dispute over the theft of a $2000 Gucci bag led to a former Albury man taking part in a Lavington stabbing early on New Year's Day. or signup to continue reading Robert Campbell-Betts was one of four men who came up behind the victim on Parkland Crescent as he made his way to the Mity Mart on Union Road. After he was repeatedly knifed, the man screamed out: "I've been stabbed.
" The Wagga man, his co-accused, Tyrese Campbell, 21, and the two other men then fled the scene. Just under eight hours later, at 11.50am, Campbell-Betts and Campbell Campbell-Betts, 25, has been committed for sentence before the District Court in Albury after pleading guilty - via a video link to Junee jail - to a charge of reckless wounding in company.
The victim, 24, suffered three stab wounds to his back, including one that penetrated his right lung. The court was told Campbell-Betts, Campbell and the victim were all known each other, and there was ongoing animosity between them over the stolen bag. Campbell-Betts was drinking alcohol at a New Year's party in Parkland Crescent on New Year's Eve also attended by the victim and his girlfriend.
Somewhere between 1am and 3am on New Year's Day, Campbell-Betts, Campbell and two other men were seen walking a few blocks away near Avis Park. "The witness saw the co-accused (Campbell) with a large knife." The victim left the party about 3am to walk home to North Albury, but soon after setting off was approached by the four men.
The court heard that Campbell threw a punch, but missed when the victim moved out of the way. "In an attempt to protect himself, the [victim] threw three punches ..
. and [Campbell] ended up on the ground." In response, Campbell-Betts grabbed the neck of the victim, who tried to protect himself by hurling him over his shoulder "like a judo throw".
The victim then placed his knee on Campbell-Betts' chest, but on doing so felt a hot sensation in the middle of his back. When he turned around, the victim saw a third man, related to Campbell-Betts and Campbell, holding a knife, so he kicked out at that man. The victim then felt two more sharp, hot sensations near his spine, causing him to collapse to the ground.
As he did so, he was stomped on and kicked by the group. He later recalled the knife as being silver-pointed with a black handle. Campbell-Betts' matter will be mentioned before the District Court on November 4, when a date will be set for a sentencing hearing.
A full sentence assessment report, as requested by defence lawyer Dave Barron, was ordered to assess whether any options other than full-time jail are available. Campbell-Betts did not apply for bail. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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