Man charged with rape, deprivation of liberty, faces Maryborough court

So afraid she’d be killed by the man charged with choking, strangling and raping her, a woman left a letter for her family, a court heard. Now, he’s out on bail.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons was charged with contravening a domestic violence order, common assault, three counts of choking, suffocation or strangulation, four counts of rape, one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of deprivation of liberty.

A father facing charges of rape and deprivation of liberty against his former partner had scared her so much she wrote a letter to her family giving them instructions in case she met her “untimely demise”, a court has heard.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons was charged with contravening a domestic violence order, common assault, three counts of choking, suffocation or strangulation, four counts of rape, one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of deprivation of liberty.

He applied for bail before Maryborough Magistrates Court this week, appearing via videolink.

The court heard from the man’s legal representative, who said it had been a relatively short relationship, lasting about 18 months.

Since the separation, there had been a domestic violence order put in place and there had been family law proceedings to sort out a property and parenting agreement.

The court heard the man no criminal history and a strong working history.

He was willing to abide by any conditions the court deemed appropriate, the legal representative said.

The police prosecutor said there were serious allegations against the defendant.

The alleged contravention indicated bail could be “risky”, he said.

The police prosecutor told the court the woman had written a seven-page statement where she described the drastic steps she took as a result of her fear of the defendant.

He said the woman had written a letter with instructions for loved one if she came to an “untimely demise at the hands of the defendant”.

An examination of the woman by an osteopath had also been submitted, showing she had received treatment for adverse tissue tension to her throat, jaw and anterior chest which was noted as “very unusual” and “not typical” in her clients.

If the man was to be released on bail, strict conditions would be sought, the court heard.

Magistrate John Milburn said he was not against bail, but with stringent conditions, including a surety.

The man’s legal representative said he had not taken instructions on a surety, but he was sure that would not be opposed.

“I don’t anticipate that would be an issue at all,” he said.

Mr Milburn granted bail, ordering the man give a surety of $5000.

The man was also forbidden from contacting or approaching the woman and going to or within 100m of her workplace or residence.

He also had to report to police on Monday and Friday.

Full briefs on all matters were ordered.

The matter was adjourned until September 23, 2025.

Originally published as Man charged with rape, deprivation of liberty, faces Maryborough court