Evans Head miner Robert Richard Corby fronts court after alleged ‘distrubing’ attack on son, wife

A gas miner with “strong community ties” who stands accused of choking and cutting off the finger of his teen son in a frenzied attack has launched a bid to get out of jail.

Robert Richard Corby appeared at Ballina Local Court on January 9 and pleaded not guilty to a string of DV charges.

An Evans Head man who allegedly choked and cut off the finger of his teen son in a frenzied attack has launched a bid to get out of jail.

Robert Richard Corby faced Ballina Local Court late last week via video link from Clarence Correctional Centre to lodge a bail application.

The 42-year-old pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, four counts of stalking/intimidation and one count each of reckless wounding, choking/strangling a person and common assault.

The alleged attacks took place at Corby’s Evans Head home. Picture: File

Court documents state Corby allegedly choked his 19-year-old son and severed his finger at about 12.30am on January 4 at the family’s Evans Head home. It is not clear whether a blade was used in the alleged attack.

He was also charged with launching an alleged assault on his wife.

Police refused bail to protect the teen son after he sustained several injuries in the assault, it was heard in court.

Corby allegedly assaulted his wife. Picture: File

At court on Thursday, Corby was supported by his mother and father who watched on, motionless, from the public gallery.

Corby’s lawyer said her client had a limited criminal history, strong community ties and could live with his parents at Mudgee if he was granted bail.

“He has been working in QLD at a remote location doing gas extraction. He is very proud of getting this position and is committed to doing it,” she told the court.

Corby previously had a workplace accident where he was electrocuted and suffered third-degree burns, his lawyer said.

Police refused bail to protect the complainants. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The court also heard Corby had been suffering from alcohol addiction and has anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

Police prosecutor Val Scott said one complainant ended up in hospital and opposed Corby’s bail.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said the alleged offences were “quite violent”, occurred in the family home and resulted in the severing of the son’s finger.

“These are allegations of extremely disturbing violence against your own wife and son – who is still a young man,” she said.

Ms Stafford refused bail and the case was adjourned until February 28.

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Originally published as Evans Head miner Robert Richard Corby fronts court after alleged ‘distrubing’ attack on son, wife