Currimundi man Philip Andrew Hunter charged after partner’s death

A Sunshine Coast man accused of attacking his partner shortly before her tragic death in Currimundi allegedly used an axe handle in his assault.

Kristy Louise Hunter tragically died after she was assaulted on December 23.

A Currimundi man accused of assaulting his partner, who later died in hospital, had allegedly struck his victim with an axe handle, court documents have revealed.

Philip Andrew Hunter, 58, has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and obstructing police.

His matter was mentioned in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 6, but he did not appear.

The charges arise from an incident on December 22 at a Currimundi home, where Mr Hunter allegedly assaulted 47-year-old Kristy Louise Hunter.

Ms Hunter was identified in court as Mr Hunter’s partner at the time.

Court documents state Mr Hunter allegedly struck her with an axe handle, resulting in the charge of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

Attached to the documents were gruesome, unlabelled snapshots of a woman on a stretcher with a neck brace and wrapping on her arm.

The majority of her face is covered in streaks of blood, alongside her hands, forearm and upper legs.

Her clothes were also splattered.

Pictures of an axe handle poking out of a washing machine as well as a room strewn with rubbish under a fallen frame by an armchair were also attached.

Mr Hunter’s occupation was listed as carer on documents.

Maroochydore Courthouse, Maroochydore. Picture: David Clark/AAP

The court was told Mr Hunter remained in custody at a correctional centre.

Police were called to the scene about 4.40pm on December 22 to reports of a disturbance.

Officers found Ms Hunter with injuries described as non-life-threatening and transported her to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment. Tragically, she died the following day.

Mr Hunter was arrested at the scene.

Police have confirmed their investigation into Ms Hunter’s death is ongoing, with a post-mortem examination yet to be completed.

The case was adjourned until February 24 and Mr Hunter entered no pleas.