Mr Snaidero was sentenced in Griffith Local Court on Monday on one count of assault causing bodily harm, and was sentenced to a two year good behaviour bond and fined $1000. 

Magistrate Joy Boulos described the dynamic between the defendant and ex-wife Adele Snaidero as “acrimonious, one best described as toxic”. 

Mr Snaidero, who pleaded not guilty, has since announced he will appeal the decision handed down by Magistrate Boulos. 

“One of the charges was dismissed. I will be appealing the decision on the second,” he said.

Magistrate Boulos condemned the violence exhibited by Mr Snaidero as she handed down her judgment. 

“No matter who you are, domestic violence will not be accepted in this community,” she said. 

The assault took place after lunch with guests in December 2013. Mrs Snaidero says she voiced her anger with comment made by Mr Snaidero at the lunch in which he enquired after a guest’s bathroom activities. 

After lunch, Mr Snaidero went to work, returning to the family home that evening.

Mrs Snaidero recounted confronting her husband and taking issue with his comments.

She says he became angry and punched her, subsequently grabbing her by the back of the arms, causing her to fall backward before dragging her along the carpet. 

The defendant denied punching his wife, instead claiming he pushed her backward in self defense after she kicked him.

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A second charge of common assault relating to a separate incident the prosecution alleged took place in 2016 was dismissed by the magistrate. Both incidents were brought to police attention in 2017 after Mrs Snaidero responded to an AVO taken out by ex-husband Mr Snaidero. 

When attending the police station, the victim told the court she was asked if any violence had taken place in the family.

It was here she recounted their past situations to the police. 

The court heard from the pair’s son, who had been called in the immediate aftermath of the incident, as well as a friend who she had confided in shortly thereafter. 

When handing down her ruling, Magistrate Boulos said “considerable injuries” had been caused during the incident, citing credible prosecution witness testimony and photographic evidence as reasons for her decision. 

Mr Paul Snaidero was elected to Griffith Council in 2016, running for mayor the same year. 

Outside the courthouse, Mrs Snaidero said she was “very happy with the result”. 

“The truth is the truth,” Mrs Snaidero said.