Leslie William George Spencer in Rockhampton court for assault

A Central Queensland father, whose son died in 2021 after suffering meningitis, attacked his partner of 16 years after accusing her of cheating on him.

Leslie William George Spencer, 36.

A Rockhampton father, whose son died in 2021 after suffering meningitis, attacked his partner of 16 years after accusing her of cheating on him.

Leslie William George Spencer, 36, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on May 29 to one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, possessing dangerous drugs and wilful damage.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Rowe said Spencer, who worked at a burger franchise, and his partner were at their home address in North Rockhampton on May 25 when about 11am Spencer accused her of cheating on him after being sent a text by her mother.

Senior Constable Rowe said Spencer’s partner denied these claims and the pair wrestled over her phone.

She said Spencer then punched his partner twice to the back of the head.

“The victim has been unable to recall any further information regarding the assault, but recalled being on the ground crying,” she said.

She said the woman later noticed a bruise to her left upper arm and lower right forearm and had trouble walking for several days after the assault and experienced pain.

She said on May 28 Spencer’s partner was asleep at their home when she was woken by Spencer arriving at the address at 2.20am and banging on the front door and windows.

The woman refused to let Spencer enter the home because he was intoxicated.

Senior Constable Rowe said Spencer smashed the glass window to the living room.

She said police arrived and arrested Spencer, who was later searched and found to be in possession of 0.63g of marijuana.

Defence lawyer Lachlan Robertson said his client’s 16-year relationship with his partner had ended.

Mr Robertson said his client had four children and that his first child had died following a diagnosis of meningitis.

“That’s placed considerable strain both on the relationship and my client,” Mr Robertson said.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale sentenced Spencer to six months’ prison with immediate parole.

Criminal convictions were recorded.