UPDATE: A man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for brutally attacking another camper with a baseball bat over loud music at Burraga Dam. Dylan James Heeney, aged 35, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and received his sentence from the Orange District Court on August 8, 2025.
The shocking incident took place on February 4, 2023, when Heeney, who had been drinking, confronted the victim, who was enjoying a night outside with family and friends about 50 meters away. After the victim refused to turn down his music, Heeney escalated the situation by retrieving a metal baseball bat and striking the victim on the head.
The court heard that the attack left the victim with a severe injury, including a 5 to 10 centimeter cut down to the bone. Emergency services were called immediately, and the victim was taken to Orange Hospital for treatment.
During sentencing, Judge Penny Musgrave highlighted the brutal nature of the attack, stating, “It was an attack upon a stranger, a man simply enjoying a holiday camping with friends and family … it would have been frightening.” The judge expressed concerns about Heeney’s remorse, noting his denial of using the bat and emphasizing the disproportionate response to a verbal dispute.
Heeney’s sentence includes a maximum of five years and 11 months, with a non-parole period of three years and 11 months. He is set for potential release on February 13, 2029, a date that will require him to engage in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.
As the case closes, Judge Musgrave hopes the sentence serves as a wake-up call for Heeney to reflect on his actions. “I can’t find that the offender has remorse for what he did to the victim,” she stated, urging him to consider his future upon release.
This alarming case underscores the serious consequences of violence and the impact of alcohol on decision-making. Authorities are reminding the public to prioritize safety and conflict resolution, especially in recreational settings.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
