Man accused of domestic violence offences applies for bail in court

A man denies allegations he punched a woman in the face on the Capricorn Coast, claiming she injured herself by hitting her head on the headboard of the bed. Here’s what happened in court.

Domestic violence. generic Picture: Contributed

A man denies allegations he punched a woman in the face on the Capricorn Coast, claiming she injured herself by hitting her head on the headboard of the bed, a court has heard.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, applied for bail in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on October 4.

He was charged with one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and contravention of domestic violence order.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen opposed bail being granted to the man.

Sergeant Ongheen said police were called to an address on the Scenic Highway at Kinka Beach on September 29 and that the alleged victim had stated that the man had assaulted her.

He said the alleged victim had visible injuries to the left side of her face, including swelling on her cheek and jaw and a split lower lip and that she was taken to Capricorn Coast Hospital.

The man had left prior to police arriving on scene.

Sergeant Ongheen said the alleged victim told police she was woken by the man, who allegedly punched her to the left side of her face.

He said the man had accused the alleged victim of flirting with another man over text messages.

“The level of violence is a dangerous level,” he said.

Defence lawyer Lauren Townsend said her client, who was a self-employed carpenter, provided police with an alternative version as to how the alleged victim obtained her injuries.

“Police have not believed him,” Ms Townsend said.

Ms Townsend said her client intended to seek private legal representation and fight the charges.

She said bail conditions could include her client residing at his address on the Scenic Highway, having no contact with the alleged victim and reporting regularly to Emu Park Police Station.

Regarding the man’s version of events, Sergeant Ongheen said the man stated the alleged victim injured herself by hitting her head on the headboard of the bed and that her injuries were on the right side of her face.

“However, they were on the left,” he said.

“The victim’s injuries were not consistent with the version provided by (the man).”

Magistrate Cameron Press said he was not satisfied bail conditions would adequately manage the risk the man posed to the alleged victim and refused to grant him bail.

The man’s matters were adjourned to October 27 and he was remanded in custody.