Ballogie man in court for domestic violence

A 79-year-old man who threatened to kill his long term partner and bury her body in the backyard of their home has faced a South Burnett court.

The 79-year-old man pleaded guilty to one count of breaching a protection order on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in Murgon Magistrates Court.

An elderly man who threatened to kill his long term partner and hide her body in the backyard of their home fronted the Murgon Magistrates Court this week.

The 79-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to breaching a domestic violence protection order when he faced court on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

The court was told the couple had been in a relationship for 12 years and lived together at Ballogie at the time of the offence.

On January 3, 2025, an argument broke out between the two at their home.

An elderly man who threatened to kill his long term partner and hide her body in the backyard of their home fronted the Murgon Magistrates Court this week.

The interaction became violent when the man said “I will kill you and bury you in the backyard and no one will find you” and pushed the woman in the chest.

When questioned by police, he admitted to threatening to kill her but denied pushing her.

Lawyer Mark Werner said his client suffered from complex mental health issues and had no criminal history for the past 10 years.

Mr Werner said the violent statement was “an empty threat” but acknowledged it caused the victim distress.

The victim was in the courtroom and appeared to be visibly upset, shaking and wiping away tears while awaiting Magistrate Andrew Sinclair’s judgement.

Mr Sinclair fined the man $500 and the conviction was recorded.

After hearing the judgement, the victim became increasingly distressed and told Sergeant Gangemi:

“He walks out of here and he starts laughing, it’s ridiculous.”