Sheldon Lewis Doyle, 22, has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm

A 22-year-old man who allegedly attacked his partner has made a bail application in a Rockhampton court. Here’s how his bid for freedom went.

A man accused of assaulting his partner twice with a pole claims he did so in self-defence after she attacked him.

Sheldon Lewis Doyle, 22, made a bail application in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 19 after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Magistrate Jason Schubert said the allegations involved Mr Doyle punching the victim while she was on the ground, and as the victim tried to defend herself, she kicked out and hit Doyle in the head.

Defence lawyer Ken Spinaze said his client had been drinking alcohol the day before to celebrate his birthday and he normally did not drink.

He said Mr Doyle admitted he had broken a cup and displayed violence but claimed he did not carry out any violence towards the victim.

He said Mr Doyle alleged he went downstairs to bang a pole against the house and to get himself out of the situation.

Mr Spinaze said his client claimed that as he was leaving the situation, his partner confronted him.

He said Mr Doyle admitted, as could be seen in the photographs of the woman’s injuries, that he did punch her once to the face, however that was in self-defence as she hit him with the pole twice.

Mr Spinaze said his client had a defensive injury on his forearm where the skin had split.

He said Mr Doyle, after being attacked by his partner, left the house and went straight to the police station to report what happened.

Police prosecutor Acting Sergeant Sarah Rowe said this alleged incident took place only months after Mr Doyle had received probation, which this alleged offence breached, for an assault on the same victim in front of police at a party.

Acting Sergeant Rowe said on that previous occasion, the victim was walking away at the time Mr Doyle punched her, connecting with her face and causing her to fall backwards.

Acting Sergeant Rowe said the victim had a swollen lip and hit the back of her head.

She alleged Mr Doyle showed a “blatant disregard” for orders and police were concerned if he was granted bail, he would be returning to the same community where this alleged offence took place – Woorabinda.

Mr Spinaze argued the sentencing range for the alleged offending would be less than the time his client would spend remanded in custody waiting for a trial, and therefore, it would be unjust to deny him bail.

Mr Schubert agreed with Mr Spinaze’s argument, granting Mr Doyle bail but with “extremely strict conditions”.

Mr Doyle’s matters were adjourned until August 9.