Goodna man dials triple-0 after assaulting and threatening to blow up his mother

A mother whose son pinned her down by the neck after he twisted open a gas bottle while holding a lighter, told police she thought he was going to blow her up, a court has heard.

A Goodna man has faced court after threatening to blow up his own mother and holding her down as she tried to escape.

On Friday, June 10 Steven Rodney Smith, 42, pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates Court to threatening violence (domestic violence) and serious assault of a person over the age of 60 (domestic violence).

The court heard that on February 6, 2022 Smith was at home with his mother and stepfather when his mother dropped a drainer from the kitchen bench.

Right after, an aggravated Smith approached his mother and stepfather while holding a barbecue gas bottle in one hand and a cigarette lighter in the other.

His mother, 61, told him “don’t be stupid”.

The court heard Smith twisted the top of the bottle open, and his mother fearfully told her husband to run away, before attempting to flee herself.

Smith chased his mother, grabbed her from behind and placed his hand over the back of the neck, forcing her to the ground.

He repeatedly called her a “useless ‘f***ing c**t” and held her on the ground for several seconds before his stepfather demanded he release her.

His mother ran upstairs to check her injuries, and Smith followed, continuing to verbally abuse her.

A short time later, Smith called triple-0 and told the police he had assaulted his mother and felt like harming himself.

His mother was taken to Ipswich hospital and told police that as Smith twisted open the gas bottle she feared he would blow them all up.

She also indicated that it was the first time her son had ever shown any sort of violence.

Smith’s lawyer Christy Louden said he suffered from depression, anxiety and PTSD after a knife was used against him by an ex-partner.

She explained he was “emotionally overwhelmed” and had suicidal ideation at the time of the offences.

“It’s absolutely shocking that this kind of violence occurs in households against those that no doubt love you most dearly,” said Magistrate Kathleen Payne.

“It’s a huge breach of that loving, trusting relationship.”

The court heard that Smith had no criminal history or issues with substance abuse.

Magistrate Payne noted that the incident appeared to be “out of character offending,” and that Smith’s stepfather had come to court to support him.

For the serious assault charge, Smith was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment – suspended for 18 months.

He further received 18 months probation for the threatening violence offence, and was ordered to submit to psychological assessment and treatment.

Convictions were recorded.

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