Ezekiel Albertus Thomas Courbois guilty of domestic violence act against former partner

A young father left his partner injured and seeking help from neighbours in what his lawyer described as an “alcohol-fuelled quarrel”.

A young father and miner who choked his ex-partner, leaving her injured and seeking help from neighbours has been described as “gentle”, “caring” and “respectful”.

Ezekiel Albertus Thomas Courbois, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of property damage and one count of unlawful choking, suffocating or strangling.

The Glencoe man previously also entered a guilty plea to aggravated assault causing harm against own spouse, but the charge was withdrawn by prosecution at the Mount Gambier District Court on Friday.

Ezekiel Albertus Thomas Courbois will be sentenced in the District Court after admitting to an act of domestic violence against his former partner. Picture: Facebook

Prosecutor Robert Walker said the facts of the charges remained the same and a sentence of imprisonment was warranted, but did not oppose it being suspended saying Courbois was not a serious, repeat offender.

“It’s plainly domestic violence,” Mr Walker said.

“While alcohol may explain it does not excuse it.”

Courbois’ defence lawyer Nick Vadasz said he did not dispute the facts despite not having a “perfect memory of what happened”.

Mr Vadasz described an on-and-off relationship between the accused and his victim lasting a number of months marred with “heavy alcohol consumption” and other issues including infidelity.

He said Courbois lived with the woman when he was not working in the mines and had recently reunited before the offending.

On November 16, 2019 the pair spent the entire day drinking at Jens Hotel leaving the accused “extremely intoxicated” before an altercation occurred in the street.

The woman later went to a neighbour’s house injured with another saying they heard what Mr Vadasz said was as an “alcohol-fuelled quarrel”.

He argued there was good reason to suspend any term of imprisonment given Courbois’ lack of criminal history, changes in life circumstances and attempts of rehabilitation including attending counselling and enrolling in a domestic violence course.

Courbois grew up at Mount Burr, the court heard, and lost his high-paying, technically skilled mining job due to the charges, despite being described as “well-respected” by his former employer.

Mr Vadasz said the behaviour was his first offence as an adult and he had turned his life around since entering a new relationship.

His partner of two years supported him at the hearing and the couple now have a six month old daughter.

“The relationship is untroubled, she notes his caringness and gentleness and support for his family,” he said.

“He’s extremely remorseful.

“He was brought up to be respectful to women.

“That’s how the women in his family currently see him.”

Courbois will be sentenced next month and faces a maximum of seven years jail for choking and 10 years for property damage.