Toowoomba man John Keong arrested, accused of attacking mate’s widow

Toowoomba police attended a church service after receiving a complaint that a constituent allegedly assaulted another member of the congregation who he was supposedly supporting through the recent death of her husband.

A Toowoomba magistrate sided with police, opposing a John Keong’s bail application after he allegedly committed a domestic violence crime against his mate’s widow. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A Toowoomba man who was arrested at church at the weekend hours after he allegedly assaulted his friend’s widow had his bail refused after being deemed a risk to the woman.

Police arrested 45-year-old John Keong at a church on Sunday, February 16, and charged him with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence setting.

When Mr Keong’s bail application was rejected by a Toowoomba magistrate on Monday, the court heard he denied being in a romantic relationship with the woman and had been staying at her home three times a week in the capacity of a supportive friend.

A Toowoomba magistrate sided with police, opposing a John Keong’s bail application after he allegedly committed a domestic violence crime against his mate’s widow.

The court heard Mr Keong had been a friend of the woman and her recently deceased husband for more than a decade.

On the morning of his arrest, police allege the unemployed man punched the woman in the head causing bruising and swelling.

Police also allege the man’s behaviour was escalating, that he was verbally abusive to the woman, and he had no regard for court orders.

Mr Keong indicated he planned to contest the aggravated assault charge, however conceded there was an altercation and argument about attending church.

The court heard the woman made allegations to members of the congregation who then reported the incident to the police.

If released from custody, Mr Keong intended to stay at his parent’s property at Highfields.

Mr Keong was remanded in custody and his charges were adjourned to be mentioned on March 19.

Originally published as Toowoomba man John Keong arrested, accused of attacking mate’s widow