Jed Anthony Ariens bail refused on choking charge

Witnesses ran to the aid of a woman who was allegedly choked by a Sunshine Coast businessman, who has applied for bail.

A Sunshine Coast business owner has been refused bail after police allege he suffocated a woman while yelling “do you want to f---ing die?”.

Jed Anthony Ariens applied for bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday after he was charged with choking, suffocation, strangulation domestic violence relationship – domestic violence offence.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman told the court Mr Ariens allegedly pushed the woman onto a couch got on top of her and put his hands over her mouth and nose in March 2022.

Sergeant Newman said police would allege he asked the alleged victim if she wanted to “f---ing die c--t”.

He said an alleged witness who ran to help the woman also heard Mr Ariens yelling “do you want to f---ing die?” during an argument.

Sergeant Newman said the witness said the alleged victim told her she couldn't breathe and thought she was going to die.

He said Mr Ariens had sent 46 unanswered text messages to the woman after the alleged incident and apologised for behaviour he described as “disgusting”.

Sergeant Newman said the apology further corroborated what he said was a strong crown case.

He said Mr Ariens was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

“We hold extreme concerns when defendants act like this … while indicating the words ‘do you want to f---ing die?’.”

“That takes it to a whole new level.”

Solicitor Jarrod Bell said the 29-year-old businessman had no criminal history, had a good education and a wonderful support network.

Mr Bell said Mr Ariens had showed insight into his personal issues and reached out to a domestic violence support provider to get assistance before he was charged.

He said Mr Ariens had distanced himself from the woman, made no threats since the alleged offence and suggested staying with his family five hours from the Sunshine Coast region.

Mr Bell said it was evident both parties were yelling at the time of the alleged offence and an argument could arise questioning whether what Mr Ariens did would amount to the choking and strangulation charge.

Mr Bell said if convicted jail time was not inevitable and all risks associated with his release on bail could be reduced with appropriate conditions.

Magistrate Kurt Fowler considered the submissions made during the bail application and stated he was not satisfied Mr Ariens wouldn’t pose an unacceptable risk.

He remanded Mr Ariens in custody and adjourned the matters to May 6, 2022 for a committal mention.