Wayne John Stavrow jailed for assault occasioning bodily harm, DV order breaches

A North Queensland magistrate said a dad who faced court for a terrifying assault threatening a woman with a tomahawk deserved far more time in prison.

Wayne John Stavrow Stavrow, 39, is on trial for the alleged assault of two Mackay police officers. Photo Daily Mercury Archives

A man repeatedly breached court orders made to keep his partner safe and drunkenly assaulted her before threatening her with a tomahawk just inches from her face.

Wayne John Stavrow punched his long-term partner in the head and damaged her property before she fled the address on March 8, 2024, Mackay Magistrates Court heard.

Yet magistrate Damian Dwyer said he disagreed with both the prosecution and Stavrow’s defence, who had suggested a potential sentence of nine to 12 months imprisonment for his seven charges.

“This offending is escalating,” Mr Dwyer warned.

“Between December 2023 and March 2024 he has five domestic violence offences, all involving violence and, indeed, the last one on March 8 was an escalation because not only did it involve violence, it involved a threat with a tomahawk.

“I think we’re looking closer to 15 to 18 months.”

Wayne John Stavrow

Stavrow has a lengthy criminal history for domestic violence and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, obstructing a police officer, bail breach, and three counts of contravening a domestic violence order, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Adam Harvey of Harvey Legal said his 50-year-old client had been employed on a cane farm and had six children, including two with the aggrieved — both of whom struggled with drug addiction.

The court heard a serious injury had left Stavrow unemployed and subsisting on disability support, with Mr Harvey noting he had recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but no substantiating medical documents were provided when Mr Dwyer requested them.

Mr Dwyer spoke at length on the “immense” cost of domestic violence on Queensland society in terms of lost income, medical care, mental health and more.

“Domestic violence is an insidious, prevalent, and serious problem in our society,” Mr Dwyer said, reading Judge Margaret McMurdo’s remarks in R v Fairbrother [2005].

“Perpetrators of domestic violence often fail to have insight into the seriousness of their offending (and can) evade punishment by society.”

To Stavrow, Mr Dwyer said the relationship between him and his ex was “toxic, but it does seem a lot of it is instigated by you”.

“You are not a person of good character.

“I’m obviously fully aware of your history, Mr Stavrow, you come to see me on a reasonably regular basis (and) it would seem to me your offending is escalating.”

Stavrow was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with a parole release date on September 16 after 82 days pre-sentence custody were declared time served.

“Now, use that time wisely Mr Stavrow, I’ve just drawn a line in the sand for you,” Mr Dwyer said.