Gympie car industry worker on parole for serious domestic violence offences

A 21-year-old Gympie man who punched his girlfriend in the head multiple times, threw shards of glass at her, and damaged her car was supported by his father when he faced the court this week.

A 21-year-old car industry worker has plead guilty at Gympie Magistrates Court on domestic violence charges after punching his then-girlfriend in the head multiple times, throwing shards of glass at her, and damaging her car while on probation.

A 21-year-old car industry worker has pleaded guilty in Gympie Magistrates Court to punching his then-girlfriend in the head multiple times, throwing shards of glass at her, and damaging her car while on probation.

The court heard that the man had previously thrown a bottle of orange juice in the woman’s face, punched her in the temple, and further damaged property in 2023.

He also sent harrowing text messages to the victim claiming to be suicidal after the attack, sending a photo of a tree saying “goodbye baby” and discussed committing suicide by police.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes emphasised the seriousness of his crimes, saying, “part of being a man entails you understanding how to treat a woman”.

“Domestic violence has an ongoing impact - not only on the immediate victim, but the family and the whole of society.

“Domestic violence has an ongoing impact - not only on the immediate victim, but the family and the whole of society.” - Magistrate Bevan Hughes

“It is not just a domestic issue, there is also loss of income and productivity, medical issues, and the social problems are immense.

“We’ve had a gutful of men treating women disrespectfully and using violence.

“You are before me for punching the head of your then-partner multiple times and throwing shards of glass while on probation for similar offending.

“It’s not the first time I’ll say this, and unfortunately unlikely won’t be the last, but women are not punching bags.

“The court condemns your conduct and your sentence will reflect that.”

The offender was in custody for a total of 51 days, but was immediately released on 12 months parole after the hearing.

Mr Hughes then explained that he must take the “mitigating factors” into account, which was the man’s young age, his aspirations in life, and minimising the “ongoing exposure to criminal elements” while imprisoned.

The violent abuser faced a total of four charges: three of contravening a domestic violence order and one for contravening a probation order.

He appeared in custody where he had been for 51 days, but was immediately released on 12 months parole after the hearing.

His father supported him during the hearing.