Rhys Michael Merchant in Maroochydore court for abuse of woman at Burnside

An insulation installer with a history of violence has faced court for his latest outburst where he abused a woman, ripped her necklace and spat blood on her.

An insulation installer with a history of violence has faced court for his latest outburst where he abused a woman, ripped her necklace and spat blood in her face.

Rhys Michael Merchant, 30, was given 12 months’ prison to be served in the community under an intensive corrections order for a year in Maroochydore District Court on June 6, 2022.

The court heard Merchant went to a 31-year-old woman’s house at Burnside on May 1, 2021 where he argued with her and she fell over trying to get away from him.

Crown prosecutor Alex Stark said Merchant was affected by methamphetamine at the time and started to yell at her in an “intimidating” way before she punched him in the face.

Merchant spat out blood, some of it landing on her head.

Mr Stark said the victim hid in a bedroom and he punched the door, creating a hole and yelling “f--k you” and “never contact me again”.

He returned unannounced on May 2, argued with the victim again and entered the house by climbing into the window.

Rhys Michael Merchant, 30, was given 12 months prison to be served in the community under an intensive corrections order for a year in Maroochydore District Court on June 6, 2022.

The court heard Merchant also grabbed her necklaces and ripped them off causing scratches to her skin.

Mr Stark said Merchant had a history of violence to the same victim including an instance where he grabbed her by the throat and banged her head against the back of the longue.

In March, 2016, he also smashed her phone and grabbed her by the neck before punching her in the face five times.

Defence barrister Nathan Turner said his client had an unfortunate upbringing where he experienced periods of homelessness and had to drop out of school at 15.

The court heard Merchant's mother was also a drug addict.

Merchant pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and wilful damage.

Judge Glen Cash said the victim must have been “very shaken” by Merchant's actions.