Biloela man slices up own hand in domestic violence incident

A Central Queensland court has heard details of a shocking incident where a man started slicing up his own hand with a knife after an argument with his partner.

A Biloela court has heard details of a shocking domestic violence incident. Generic image.

A Central Queensland court has heard details of a shocking domestic violence incident which the prosecution said included “a very high level” of coercive control.

The 31-year-old man, who by law cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim and partner, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on December 7 to contravening a domestic violence order.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Carl Spargo said on October 28, the man and the female victim were arguing.

Sgt Spargo said the woman told the man he needed to leave the residence because he was drunk.

The prosecutor said the man then headbutted a wall and tried to knock himself out by punching himself in the head.

Sgt Spargo said the man then smashed an ashtray over his head before going to the kitchen and picking up a knife.

“The (victim) then took the knife off him and ran out of the front of the house calling for help,” Sgt Spargo said.

“Another witness entered the house through the front door and saw the (man) slicing his hand with a second knife.

“The witness has taken the second knife off the (man) and taken it outside.”

Sgt Spargo said the man sat outside for a period before walking off.

Police later located him and saw his hand wound.

The man was taken to hospital for medical treatment to the injury as well as a mental health assessment.

The court heard the man had domestic violence offending on his history.

In relation to penalty, Sgt Spargo said the facts of this case were “very concerning” as the man had displayed a “very high level of coercive control” towards the victim.

“He was asked to leave because he was drunk and then he’s done all of these acts as a way to stay there,” Sgt Spargo said.

“Somewhat bizarre behaviour... would have no doubt been quite terrifying for both the victim and the witness, having to disarm him of those knives.”

A solicitor said the argument between the man and the victim was alcohol-fuelled and he was “very remorseful” for his actions.

She said her client, who had previously been employed, was currently looking for work and he had since this incident engaged with Drug ARM (rehab for substance abuse and addiction).

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale placed the man on 18 months’ probation and a conviction was recorded.