Bundaberg father jailed for choking ex-partner in front of daughter
A Bundaberg father who choked his former partner in front of their daughter has been granted continued access to his children despite multiple domestic violence convictions.
A Bundaberg labourer and father-of-three has been allowed contact with his children despite a series of domestic violence offences committed in front of one of his daughters last year.
Court documents published online reveal the man and his former partner had a shared custody agreement which began in early May 2024.
On May 4, 2024, the man — who had care of his children two nights a week — was with them at his Bundaberg home when their mother decided to drop off warmer clothing for the children.
Judge John Allen told the court the woman confronted the father after seeing him walking outside with them despite the cold weather.
An argument broke out between the pair and escalated to the point of physical violence the court heard.
Judge Allen said the man lost his temper, and pushed the children’s mother against her car before grabbing her by the throat and squeezing.
The ordeal ended when his former partner hit him in the face, Judge Allen said.
Some injury was caused to the woman’s throat and was noted by paramedics who attended the scene.
The man denied his violent actions when interviewed by police.
The man’s counsel said his response appeared to be a spontaneous reaction to “pointed criticism” against his parenting decisions.
Judge Allen said while he accepted those submissions, the woman’s comments did not excuse the violence that followed at his hands.
He said instances of domestic violence had marked the pair’s long term relationship.
The Bundaberg father had previously been convicted on contravening a number of domestic violence orders.
In 2019 the father of three had contravened a DVO three times, including against his victim’s grandmother.
He was further convicted of contravening a DVO two times in 2021, and another time in 2022.
At the time of the man’s most recent offences, he was subject to a protection order between the woman and himself.
The father-of-three was sentenced in Bundaberg District Court on April 11, 2025.
Judge Allen issued a varied order from one first handed down in February 2023, which stipulated he not try to contact his former partner, or come within 100m of where she lived except in specific circumstances.
Judge Allen said the man, despite his less than ideal upbringing, demonstrated he was a hard worker and capable of rehabilitation.
He previously attended a men’s behavioural change program, the court heard.
Ultimately the Bundaberg labourer was granted contact with his children.
Judge Allen agreed with Crown prosecution that the man would need to be “very careful that any attempts to contact your children do not otherwise breach the order”.
“You hope to have a continuing relationship with your children, and ultimately, if you can be a good parent to them, that is in their interests,” Judge Allen said.
The Bundaberg father was sentenced to serve two years in prison.
He was released on parole on April 11 2025, and 301 days were listed as time served.
