Arron William Johnston, 33, has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm while on bail for trafficking drugs

A man on bail for trafficking drugs for 15 months has been accused of kicking and punching a woman at a hotel. He’s also fighting a deprivation of liberty charge. Here’s what was heard in court.

A man on bail for trafficking drugs for 15 months has been accused of kicking and punching a woman at a Central Queensland hotel.

Arron William Johnston, 33, made a bail application in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on August 26 after being charged with deprivation of liberty, assaults occasioning bodily harm and wilful damage (domestic violence offences).

Defence lawyer Nick Crawford said his client had not breached his Supreme Court bail for trafficking drugs in the 15 months since he was granted bail.

He said Mr Johnston and his partner’s relationship ended two days before the alleged incident.

“He was invited by the complainant to the hotel room,” Mr Crawford said.

He said there was an argument in relation to illicit substances.

“The argument became physical and heated between both parties,” Mr Crawford said.

“He was defending himself at points during the fight.”

Mr Crawford said Mr Johnston instructed he contested the allegations provided in a statement.

He said his client would live with his mother, who was in court in his support, if granted bail and he was willing to wear a GPS tracker.

Mr Crawford said the new charges from the August 26 mention in court, and a deprivation of liberty charge, would have to be dealt with in the district court, depending on which court was elected, which could result in delays in the matters being resolved, possibly for more than 12 months.

“In relation to the allegations of kicking and punching, the police haven’t provided any details... haven’t stated any injuries to her face or anything of that nature and there’s no photos attached (to the file),” he said.

Mr Crawford said he had given Mr Johnston legal advice about how to get access to his children with the former partner.

Police prosecutor Clancy Fox said Mr Johnston did not have a history of breaching the stringent requirements of his Supreme Court bail.

He said while there were no domestic violence convictions in Mr Johnston’s criminal record, he did have convictions for common assaults.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale granted Mr Johnston bail with conditions including he wear a GPS tracking device and report to police three times a week.

His matters were adjourned until September 9 for mention.