Troy Ridgeway freed early after assault sentence

TL;DR

Troy Ridgeway was sentenced in Nowra court for assaulting and stealing from a 14-year-old girl in Bomaderry bushland.
He got 18 months jail with an 11-month non-parole period, backdated to cover 116 days served, making him eligible for immediate parole.
The short incident left the victim with lasting fear, despite Ridgeway's family support and plans to move to Taree.

The story at a glance

Troy Anthony Ridgeway, 49, appeared in Nowra Local Court on April 10, 2026, where Judge Julie Zaki sentenced him for common assault and stealing a phone from a teenage girl. The attack happened on February 12, 2025, in isolated bushland near Bomaderry. It's reported now after his sentencing allowed early release following time already served.[[1]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing/)[[2]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing)

Key points

Ridgeway approached the 14-year-old girl walking her dog, offered to sell a wallet, then gripped her arm firmly above the elbow and pushed her into the bush.
He stole her phone during a brief struggle where both tripped; the girl grabbed her things and ran.
Pleaded guilty to common assault and stealing from a person under $2000.
Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, non-parole period of 11 months, backdated to May 11, 2025, after 116 days in custody—eligible for parole on sentencing day.
Defence noted mental health issues, substance dependence, tough upbringing, and extensive criminal history; judge accepted special circumstances but highlighted victim impact.
Ridgeway has family support and plans to relocate to Taree with housing lined up.

Details and context

The incident lasted a very short time but caused significant distress to the young victim, who was alone in the bush when confronted by an adult stranger.[[1]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing/)

Ridgeway appeared via audio-visual link. His defence lawyer Evan Bongarzoni stressed he did not linger after the offence.

No other coverage found, so details rely on this local report.

Key quotes

Judge Julie Zaki: "This is a young girl alone in the bush confronted by a grown adult who grabs her by the arm."[[1]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing/)
Judge Julie Zaki: He gripped her arm above the elbow in a "firm and forceful" manner and the victim "could not escape."[[1]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing/)
Defence lawyer Evan Bongarzoni: "He was not hanging around, adding to what had already been a terrifying experience to the victim."[[1]](https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9219239/troy-ridgeway-released-early-after-nowra-court-sentencing/)

Why it matters

Local court cases like this show how backdated sentences can lead to quick release for short-term offenders, balancing custody time with rehabilitation factors. For residents in Bomaderry and Nowra, it underscores risks in isolated areas and the impact on young victims. Watch if Ridgeway complies with parole in Taree or faces further charges from his history.