Central Queensland mine manager faces court after night of drinking, gambling, violence

A court has heard how a night that began in “fast” drinking ended in heartbreak at Airlie Beach and got a Central Queensland mine manager in trouble.

A manager at a Central Queensland mine has faced court for a domestic violence offence. Generic image.

A Central Queensland mine manager has faced court following a night of drinking, gambling and violence at Airlie Beach.

The man, who by law cannot be named, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on November 3 to breaching a domestic violence order.

The court heard the victim was the man’s wife and they shared a child together.

There were conditions on the order pertaining to the wife and the child, the court was told.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said on October 2 at 8.50pm, police were called to a location in Airlie Beach in relation to a domestic violence incident.

Sgt Ongheen said police then spoke to the wife.

“She told police that her husband was normally perfect in every way, except when he drinks alcohol and then he becomes a d …”

Sgt Ongheen said the wife told police that her and her husband had gone out to a hotel “for a few drinks”.

“She stated that (he) had drunk fast and a lot of beer.

“She consumed a bottle of red wine.

“She stated that at one point, (he) grabbed her arm and twisted it.

“She then (told him) she was going to call the police.

“He stated he was going to bed.”

Sgt Ongheen said everything happened with the child present but the wife did not want to make a formal complaint of assault.

Police questioned the husband.

“He said the argument was caused by the (wife) who wanted to stay out – he did not want to stay out,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“He said they had been at (a hotel) and had been drinking and gambling.

“When they returned, the argument occurred.”

The man was arrested, taken to the Whitsunday watch-house and released on bail.

The court heard that the man had no history.

Solicitor Cam Schroder said his client was a manager at a mine.

“He holds down a very responsible position,” Mr Schroder said, adding his client was “sorry for his behaviour.”

Mr Schroder said the man had been attending counselling and his wife was in the back of the court to support him.

Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead accepted the man’s behaviour was out of character, noting that he had no history at all.

Mr Muirhead fined him $600 and did not record a conviction.