Damian Charles McRae granted home detention bail, accused of assaulting daughter and stalking witness

A custody officer who allegedly bashed his teenage daughter before stalking a witness won’t stay behind bars because his safety is at risk, a court heard.

A custody officer who allegedly bashed his daughter had a successful bail bid due to concerns for his safety.

Damian Charles McRae, 56, applied for home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, also accused of following and stalking a witness to the assault.

Daniel Weekley, for Mr McRae, told the court his client was a custody officer and was unsafe in prison as a result.

The court heard Mr McRae only lasted a few hours in general population before he was put in isolation.

Kevin Lowe, prosecuting, told the court they were opposed to all forms of bail for Mr McRae.

Damian Charles McRae was granted home detention bail, accused of assaulting his daughter and stalking a witness. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The court heard a witness, who worked next door to where Mr McRae lived, allegedly saw him assault his teenage daughter on November 3 at Glenelg South.

She then gave a statement to police.

“He (Mr McRae) then … stalks her, he is aware of where she lives,” Magistrate Justin Wickens said in reference to the allegations.

“He’s driven past her house in a car, he’s followed her home from work to a tyre fitter and then later in the day driven behind her past her home address.”

The court heard the witness took down the number plate, which was registered to Mr McRae.

“There’s a suggestion that he’s listening to her or is stalking her in some way, finding out information about her,” Mr Wickens said.

Mr Lowe said Mr McRae also allegedly sent a “borderline threatening” letter to the hospital where the witness worked.

The court heard Mr McRae stated the witness made an “incredibly damaging report” about him, out of “vindictive spite and malice” and strongly advised she not go anywhere near his home.

Mr McRae, of Morphett Vale, is charged with aggravated assault and stalking a person involved in an investigation.

He is yet to enter any pleas.

Mr Lowe said Mr McRae could be housed safely in the prison system.

Mr Wickens disagreed.

“It would be extremely difficult to be in that type of custodial environment for over a year while he waits to come to trial,” he said.

“They’ll lock him down 23-hours a day.”

The court heard Mr McRae’s employment was currently suspended.

Mr Lowe said they had “excellent CCTV” of the alleged assault and home detention bail wouldn’t stop Mr McRae from writing more letters to the witness’ employer.

The court heard Mr McRae had no criminal history and was the sole income earner for his family.

Mr Wickens said the allegations were “quite concerning” but released Mr McRae on home detention bail.

The charges were adjourned until next month.