Edmonton man, Dennis Mark Livingstone Koowootha, 34, jailed for ‘deplorable act of domestic violence’ with a metal bar

Edmonton man, Dennis Mark Livingstone Koowootha, 34, has been sentenced to two years jail for striking his partner with a metal bar then burning her clothes in what police have described as a ‘deplorable act of domestic violence’.

Dennis Mark Livingstone Koowootha, 34, has pleaded guilty to five charges in Cairns magistrates court related to an attack on his partner with a metal bar last month.

A man who attacked his partner with a metal bar last month while she lay defenceless on the ground has been sentenced to two years jail.

Edmonton man, Dennis Mark Livingstone Koowootha, 34, pleaded guilty in Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday (THURSDAY) to five charges including assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, common assault, wilful damage and two counts of contravening a domestic violence order related to the attack in Yarrabah on 23 November this year.

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Maynard Marcum described the attack as a ‘deplorable act of domestic violence’, which Koowootha explained by saying ‘he no longer wanted to be with her.’

“The stark brutality of this assault requires significant punishment,” submitted Sen Sgt Marcum.

The court was told Koowootha ran at the woman with a metal bar, then struck her many times on the head as she lay on the ground, defenceless, causing a 6cm wound that required six stitches.

Defence solicitor, Chris West told the court Koowootha was a father of three with another baby on the way, who had never been before the court for domestic violence matters.

He said at the time of the attack, Koowootha was under extreme stress, caring for his ill father, and had also stopped taking medication for a mental health condition

“This happened in a context of high stress, and he has taken full responsibility for (the attack) and entered a plea of guilty as early as possible.” said Mr West.

He said had been trying to explain to police that he had wanted his partner to go away from Yar

rabah when he said he no longer wanted to be with her.

Magistrate Kellie Walker sentenced Koowootha to two years jail with a parole release date of 24 July 2025.

“You will have plenty of things to get on with while you are in custody – you need to get into courses for domestic violence and parenting and anger so that you can be a better parent and partner,” said Magistrate Walker.

“(These are) very serious offences you have committed: you first approached your partner and punched her in the face and eye. A short time later, you ran at her with a metal bar then, while she was in hospital, you have set fire to items of her clothing.

“The comment you made to police that you ‘no longer wanted to be with her’ can be properly described as callous.”

Magistrate Walker said the woman would have suffered fear and emotional trauma as well as her physical injuries.

Originally published as Edmonton man, Dennis Mark Livingstone Koowootha, 34, jailed for ‘deplorable act of domestic violence’ with a metal bar