Bega, Australia – More than a decade after a brutal assault that left a woman with life-altering injuries, the NSW State Government is working to ensure that the perpetrator, Shane Anthony Patten, remains under close supervision due to his violent history.
Patten, now 51, gained notoriety in 2013 when he attacked a woman with a hammer, resulting in severe facial injuries and the loss of her eye. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety, particularly given Patten’s extensive criminal record and struggles with substance abuse.
Originally from Moruya, Patten, also known as Shane Heycox, has lived primarily in the Narooma area. A history of trauma, including a brain injury from a childhood car accident, has compounded his difficulties. His violent tendencies have led to multiple convictions over the years, culminating in a 12-year sentence for the hammer attack, with nine years non-parole.
On the evening of the assault, Patten had been drinking when he engaged in an argument with the victim. Eyewitnesses reported that another person found Patten looming over the woman, who was bleeding, with a hammer in one hand and a metal bar in the other. The severity of her injuries included facial paralysis, numerous fractures, and permanent disfigurement.
Despite his guilty plea to grievous bodily harm, the sentencing judge noted Patten’s lack of remorse, highlighting disturbing letters in which he referred to the victim using derogatory terms. In these communications, Patten sought to distance himself from responsibility, asserting, “I can live with it,” in reference to his choice to engage in violence.
His previous offenses illustrate a pattern of aggression, including a violent confrontation in 1999 where he struck a victim with timber at a sports field, and a 2001 incident where he attacked a man with a knife. In another case, he caused significant harm to a fellow inmate at Goulburn Correctional Centre.
Patten was released on parole in April 2023 but was returned to custody for violating parole conditions in January 2025. This recent history has prompted the NSW Supreme Court to consider imposing an extended supervision order (ESO) to monitor his behavior more closely.
During a recent court hearing, Justice Natalia Adams recognized the necessity for surveillance, noting that Patten was supported by government benefits and had eight children with various partners, compounding the challenges of his already unstable lifestyle. His defense team contested the need for such an order, arguing that assessments indicated a moderate risk of reoffending, although Justice Adams expressed concerns based on his documented history.
The court has scheduled further hearings, with an interim supervision order set to be enacted upon Patten’s release. This will provide authorities a mechanism to address the potential risk he poses to the community as he navigates life outside of incarceration.
Support services are available for those affected by violence. Individuals can reach out to organizations such as 1800RESPECT or Full Stop Australia for assistance.