Matthew Frank Koeneman in court for assault occasioning bodily harm

A locksmith ordered a woman not to call an ambulance after throwing a metal “stake” into her shoulder, leaving her in need of stitches.

Matthew Frank Koeneman appeared in Gympie Magistrates Court on February 21, 2023.

A woman had to drive herself to hospital to get four stitches after a man threw a metal “stake” into her shoulder.

Matthew Frank Koeneman, 45, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, February 21 in Gympie Magistrates Court to six charges including assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, contravening a police direction and obstructing a police officer.

At 4.45am on November 13, Koeneman woke the woman up to demand a cigarette, while she was sleeping inside a shipping container on a property.

Growing angry at her, he threw a metal “stake” against the shipping container wall, magistrate Chris Callaghan said.

The woman grabbed the stake and used it to keep the door open, in fear of Koeneman locking her inside.

Matthew Frank Koeneman appeared in Gympie Magistrates Court on February 21, 2023.

He then ripped the stake away from the woman to throw it at her shoulder, the sharp end leaving a painful gash that bled immediately.

The court heard Koeneman asked the woman not to call the ambulance so she left for the hospital on her own, police prosecutor Christie Mahoney said.

“You caused a deep gash which required four stitches,” Mr Callaghan said.

She texted him to say he was no longer welcome at the property, but he refused to leave.

When she came home, she discovered Koeneman had trashed the place; he smashed a television stand, glassware and a “significant” number of other items, Sergeant Mahoney said.

Police were called and Koeneman obstructed officers when they tried to arrest him, breaking one of their watches in doing so.

Matthew Frank Koeneman leaving Gympie Magistrates Court on February 21, 2023.

Koeneman was restless and could not stay still as the facts were read out in court.

Defence lawyer Jamiee Burns told the court Koeneman worked as a qualified locksmith most of his life and recently built fibreglass boats.

She said while it was no excuse for his behaviour, Koeneman was intoxicated the night before and did not “anticipate the sharpness” of the metal pole.

“He’s lucky he’s not getting charged with wounding,” Mr Callaghan said.

Koeneman was sentenced to six months’ prison wholly suspended for two years and fined $600. He was also required to pay $171.38 compensation for the officer’s watch.