Zayne Butler sentenced at Gladstone for assaulting woman

It has been revealed cocaine and alcohol were factors in a domestic incident where a young Central Queensland man threatened to slit a woman’s throat before assaulting a witness.

Zayne James Butler, 20, was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court for offences including common assault (domestic violence offence). Generic image.

A young Central Queensland man threatened to slit a woman’s throat before assaulting a female witness, a court has heard.

Zayne James Butler, 20, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to charges including common assault (domestic violence offence).

Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said on July 14 at a Gladstone residence, Butler made threats towards a female aggrieved including one that he was “going to slit (her) throat.”

Ms Leach said that threat was heard by a female witness who was present at the time.

In relation to the common assault offence, the court heard Butler yelled abuse at the witness who then told him to leave.

“(Butler) got into the (witness’) face, slapping her on each cheek and striking her around the stomach area,” Ms Leach said.

“The (witness) struck (Butler) and pushed him back towards the door.”

Gladstone Courthouse.

Butler had no criminal history and a one-page traffic record.

Addressing the common assault offence, solicitor Bianca Wieland said Butler was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at the time.

“He cannot recall his behaviour very well - however he is ashamed and remorseful (for) his behaviour,” Ms Wieland said.

“He has not used any of those sorts of substances since the time of this offending.”

She said Butler, a single dad of two, would agree to probation and submitted no conviction be recorded.

“He is still a young man and he is looking for work at the moment,” Ms Wieland said.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Butler on 12 months’ probation with conditions.

No conviction was recorded.