Former Married At First Sight star Craig Michael Keller sentenced over domestic violence offences

A Married At First Sight star has been granted bail for domestic violence against a former partner, who he first assaulted after accusing her of having sex with a friend.

Former Married At First Sight star Craig Michael Keller arrives the Brisbane Supreme Court. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

A Married At First Sight star has faced court for domestic violence against a former partner, who has since been “haunted by memories” of his “abusive violent behaviour”.

Craig Michael Keller, who appeared on season three of Married At First Sight, faced Brisbane District Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for four domestic violence charges.

The court heard the 34-year-old had displayed a “pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour” against a former partner, who was now “haunted by memories” of his abuse.

Judge Terry Gardiner said the charges occurred over a one-month period in 2022, with Keller first assaulting the woman after he accused her of having sex with a friend.

Keller had grabbed her by the ankle, dragged her across the floor, and then kicked her in the stomach when she managed to stand, the court was told.

Judge Gardiner labelled the assault as “cowardly behaviour”.

He said Keller had slapped the woman a few weeks later during another argument, in which Keller smashed her phone on the ground.

Two days later, Keller had thrown five glass candle holders towards her – with one hitting her foot, causing a cut.

Judge Gardiner said Keller’s “abusive violent behaviour” was “inexcusable”.

He said the woman’s injuries had been minor, but her victim impact statement outlined how she had been “haunted by the memories of (Keller’s) abuse”.

“She says there’s no single day that passes that she doesn’t think about what happened,” Judge Gardiner said.

Craig Michael Keller appeared on season three of Married At First Sight in 2016. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

He noted the woman had “mixed emotions” towards Keller’s criminal proceedings however, and “doesn’t believe any further imprisonment would change (Keller’s) life significantly”.

Keller had already spent 139 days on remand for his charges, before being granted Supreme Court bail.

He pleaded guilty at sentence to one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, common assault, wilful damage, and assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.

He had originally been charged with three additional common assault charges, one additional assault occasioning bodily harm while armed charge, and a charge of choking.

Keller had pleaded not guilty to those charges and had intended to take them to trial, but they were dropped after he pleaded guilty to the four charges today.

His defence barrister Tom Polley told the court Keller had been diagnosed with PTSD, along with alcohol and polysubstance abuse, following his time with the Australian navy.

Former Married At First Sight star Craig Michael Keller arrives the Brisbane Supreme Court on October 23. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Polley said Keller had worked as a marine technician and later in a technical assault group, working alongside SAS soldiers on border protection, counter-terrorism, and the prevention of human trafficking and drug smuggling.

He said Keller had been exposed to various traumatising incidents, including searching the ocean for tens of deceased bodies from a boat that had run ashore.

“He had been involved in dealing with death on a regular basis,” Mr Polley said.

Keller had also fractured a vertebrae after jumping from a helicopter during a training exercise, the court was told.

Mr Polley said Keller had been “dealing with his demons” by engaging with support services, and intended to participate in an intensive in-house treatment program after his proceedings were finalised.

A reference from Keller’s father had acknowledged his son’s “larrikin” nature, but said Keller had a desire and passion for helping youths and his foster siblings.

Mr Polley submitted he should receive a suspended sentence, but Judge Gardiner said he viewed parole to be more appropriate.

He acknowledged the burdens of living with PTSD, but said “intimate partners should not be suffering the burden of that post traumatic stress”.

Keller was sentenced to 18 months in jail, with 139 days in presentence custody declared time served, and immediate parole.