Named and shamed: Man who punched girlfriend during argument avoids jail time

A man who punched his girlfriend in the face and pinned her down so she couldn’t call the police is just one of the offenders to face the Dalby court for domestic violence recently. See the full list here:

A man who punched his girlfriend and pinned her to the bed so she couldn’t call the police is just one of the offenders to face court for domestic violence recently.

David William Francis Schuchmann pushed his chest against his former girlfriend on July 25, 2021 during an argument over an oven.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the 52-year-old, who had no history of actual violence, punched the woman in the left eye after she called him a derogatory name.

“She went to call the police and he followed her and pinned her down on the bed so she couldn’t call,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

Lawyer Julia Molloy said Schuchmann has since had a ‘new start’ and was no longer in a relationship with his victim.

“It’s a two-sided story he’s been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and plans to enquire about a mental health plan,” Ms Molloy said.

“He doesn’t want to have contact with her, he’s very remorseful.”

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan condemned Schuchmann’s behaviour.

“It’s appalling behaviour and is on the serious end of domestic violence behaviour,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

Schuchmann pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.

He was placed on probation for 15 months.

In other domestic violence court news:

A father faced the Dalby court for his aggressive behaviour to a woman after he verbally abused her in front of her son and pulled out an axe.

The man visited his ex partner’s home on January 15 when he began verbally abusing and threatening the woman.

“You’re a smart c—t and you need a punch in the mouth,” he said.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady told the court the Dalby man got into a verbal argument with the woman’s son while she ran outside to call the police.

The man went to his car and pulled out a small axe and continued yelling abuse at the woman.

“You called the cops because you’re a KKK mutt, I’ll get you before they take me,” he said.

Lawyer Michael McElhinney said his client didn’t offer any excuses.

“He says he doesn’t really know why he did it,” he said.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan said while there were no physical acts committed, the threats were “appalling and concerning”.

“You swore at the aggrieved while in the presence of the child of the aggrieved, the fact that you made them concerns me,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

She also acknowledge the Dalby man was trying to seek anger management help.

“I know the resources aren’t as good as they should be in the region,” she said.

He pleaded guilty to contravening a domestic violence order and two counts of drink driving.

The man was sentenced to six months’ jail with immediate parole and fined $700. He was also disqualified from driving for one month.

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A man already on probation for property damage and obstructing a police officer has again faced the Dalby court via video link from jail after a disturbing outburst in front of his girlfriend.

Mike Anthony Lengua got into a heated argument with his girlfriend while staying at a hotel on April 11, with witnesses reporting they heard loud swearing and banging noises in one of the rooms.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said police noted objects were strewn across the hotel room’s floor, the front door was split and there was a black mark on the wall.

“(Lengua) was locked out of the room after being in a physical argument and he had kicked the door down,” Sergeant Brady said.

Lawyer Claire Graham said a fight broke out between the 31-year-old and his short-term girlfriend after he received a quick visit from his children.

Ms Graham said when Lengua became emotional after the short visit, his partner told him to ‘get over it’ and he became aggressive and stormed out of the hotel room.

The court heard the 31-year-old suffered from anxiety and depression and he admitted his behaviour was “grossly over the top”.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan acknowledged the 28 days Lengua spent in custody due to a return to prison warrant.

“You were on parole for more serious property offending and the suspended sentence is in relation to obstructing police,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

Lengua pleaded guilty to wilful damage and two breaches of bail.

He was sentenced to four months in jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.

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No conviction recorded

A man who attempted to commit suicide at his ex’s home after sending her distressing messages while she was away has faced Dalby court.

Two months after experiencing a break up from his 11-year-relationship a Dalby man messaged his ex from her house apologising for his past behaviour and notifying her that he was at her house.

“Sorry for the trouble I’m ending it all right now I love you with all my heart forever, goodbye” the text read.

The court heard that the woman replied with a message that said, “do not f—king dare”.

His ex contacted the police who arrived at the home to find the man in danger and crying.

Lawyer Julia Molloy said her client was diagnosed with depressive episodes, and the pair were no longer in contact.

“My client was significantly distressed and not thinking clearly,” Ms Molloy said.

The Dalby man pleaded guilty to contravening a DV order.

He was fined $500 for the contravening the order and $350 for breaking his good behaviour bond, totalled to $850.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you or someone you know needs assistance

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Sane Helpline: 1800 18SANE (7263) or sane.org

Domestic violence support: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 1800respect.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978

Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Reachout: reachout.com.au

Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN): 1800 008 774