John Roberts faces Ballina court pleading not guilty to soaking ex with petrol

A Ballina man allegedly doused his partner in fuel during a terrifying domestic violence attack. Now, he’s out on bail.

The woman said she “tried to get away and he wouldn’t let me”.​

A Ballina man who allegedly doused his partner in fuel after he told her she would be leaving an apartment cut up in a box has been granted bail.

John Roberts pleaded not guilty at Ballina Court on Tuesday after being charged with intimidation and common assault.

The 48-year-old Ballina man and the Lismore woman had been in a relationship for four months when an argument broke out on July 31 2022, police documents state.

Roberts is alleged to have said: “See that box, that’s how you’ll be leaving here, in pieces.”

He allegedly punched the woman in the face and strangled her, leaving her with bruises on her face and neck.

Roberts is accused of chasing after the woman as she ran from the apartment.

“He splashed petrol from a container over the woman completely dousing her from head to toe,” police state.

The woman was terrified and thought Roberts was going to set her alight.

Roberts is accused of dousing his ex in petrol.

Roberts is alleged to have said: “Run, I love the hunt.”

Police state the woman bolted and flagged down a car on Tamar St in Ballina.

“I’ve been bashed, can you please take me to the hospital,” the woman said.

“Lock your doors, he is trying to kill me.”

The woman was fearful to speak to police when she went to Ballina District Hospital’s emergency department, according to police prosecutor Emma Hogan.

“I’m scared. He knows where I live in Lismore,” the woman told police.

“I tried to get away and he wouldn’t let me, he poured petrol over me. It burned my eyes.

“He wanted to kick me out to hunt me down.”

The woman was not in court and Magistrate Karen Stafford said it was not unusual for alleged victims in domestic violence cases.

Roberts was granted bail and the case was adjourned to May 2.