Blackwater man arrested following investigations into alleged domestic violence

A Central Queensland man accused of torture, choking and other domestic violence offences has been seen by three lawyers in three days and not given any of them instructions, a court has heard. VIDEO, UPDATES

A Central Queensland man accused of torture, choking and other domestic violence offences has been seen by three lawyers in three days and not given any of them instructions, a court has heard.

Clay Andrew Gunston, 33, has been charged with two counts of torture (domestic violence), along with one count each of choking/suffocation/ strangulation (domestic violence), assault occasioning bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, wilful damage and obstruct police.

According to police, officers attended an address in Blackwater on Tuesday evening and arrested Mr Gunston.

Video released by police shows the officers taking him into custody.

Blackwater detectives have charged a man following investigations into a series of alleged serious domestic violence offences. Picture: QPS

Police allege the offences occurred between November 1 and November 12.

Mr Gunston’s matters have been mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for the past three days, each time by a different defence lawyer.

This morning, Oscar Millroy from the Rockhampton Legal Aid office advised the court he was the latest to see Mr Gunston in the watchhouse and was unable to obtain instructions.

“I’m the third solicitor who he has not provided instructions to,” Mr Millroy told the court.

“He is obviously very unwell.”

Blackwater detectives have charged a man following investigations into a series of alleged serious domestic violence offences. Picture: QPS

Mr Millroy said the Court Liaison Services were trying to assist Mr Gunston and get him a bed “to assist him”.

He said it was unlikely Mr Gunston would have been able to provide a suitable bail address for a bail application.

Mr Millroy said he will submit a Legal Aid application on behalf of Mr Gunston.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said based on the allegations, she would not have been able to find Mr Gunston could have shown cause if he had made a bail application.

Mr Gunston was remanded in custody.

No plea was entered.

The torture and choking charges, according to Queensland legislation, must be dealt with in the higher courts.

Briefs of evidence were ordered for all charges and Mr Gunston’s matters were adjourned to January 29.

Detective Inspector Luke Peachey said domestic violence had no place in the community.

“We have zero tolerance for anyone committing these (alleged) offences,” Detector Inspector Peachey said.

“Our officers are committed to ensuring victim-survivors are protected and supported.”