Media identity Rex Hunt has escaped conviction over a road rage attack on a cyclist but must complete 100 hours of community work before he can put the incident behind him.
Angered when cyclist Rodney Andonopoulos banged on his four-wheel-drive, Hunt got out of the vehicle and went on the attack, breaking the man's finger in the ensuing scuffle in July last year.
The former policeman and VFL footballer must report to the Moorabbin Justice Centre by 4pm (AEST) on Friday, and over the next 12 months he will have to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work.
Hunt was found guilty of one charge of recklessly causing injury.
Sentencing Hunt on Wednesday, magistrate Peter Reardon said the charges against him and the ensuing media coverage had brought "a great deal of public humiliation" to Hunt.
"You in this moment of madness have let down your wife, your family, your friends, your legion of fans and most of all yourself," Mr Reardon said.
"All of us are prone to be fallible, prone to make mistakes and poor judgments. No doubt you have done this in this case."
Outside Melbourne Magistrates Court, Hunt, 60, said he was sorry the incident had occurred and apologised to his supporters.
"I feel a great responsibility ... how do you make it up to them?" the football radio commentator said.
"It's a funny feeling. I'm glad it's over. I didn't want it to start. I just get on with my life like I do."
Earlier, Mr Reardon said even if Hunt was provoked it did not give him the right to attack Mr Andonopoulos.
But the magistrate said Hunt was entitled to escape conviction given his age and previous good record.
In a victim impact statement tendered to the court, Mr Andonopoulos said he had suffered "considerable physical and emotional" pain as a result of the incident.
He said that while he was recovering from his injury he could not lift his child, and that he was still unable to play certain chords on his guitar.
"There were times when I felt helpless and I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel," Mr Andonopoulos said.
The cyclist made no comment as he left court.
The last word was left to Hunt. The 3AW football commentator managed a smile as he urged media to "give him a chance to put the kettle on" before they came to his house seeking further comment.
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