Christopher Lee Riley faces domestic violence charges in Coffs Harbour court

During his bail application the court heard he had ‘special vulnerabilities’, including the impacts of being bashed with a baseball bat several years ago.

A man wanted in relation to two domestic violence allegations and has faced Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Christopher Lee Riley appeared via audio visual link from the Clarence Correctional Centre where he had been remanded in custody since his arrest on August 16.

Police prosecutor Jack Chaffey told the court on August 18 that Riley, 22, had been arrested after a warrant was issued in relation to two domestic violence incidents and that he had been fully aware of his “wanted status” and that he has a “history of non-compliance”.

The two alleged incidents - one on June 7 and another on July 31 - relate to the same alleged victim who was also his domestic partner at the time, the court heard.

The couple have two children together.

During one incident he allegedly punched the victim in the face and on the other occasion allegedly pushed her.

In considering bail, magistrate Ian Rodgers heard that Riley had a number of special vulnerabilities including being a young Aboriginal man.

Riley’s lawyer Mr Fernandez told the court his client’s criminal history is “certainly not of any assistance” but that most of his offending was related to property matters rather than domestic violence.

He also told the court his client was suffering a brain injury after being attacked with a baseball bat around two years ago.

Riley has pleaded not guilty to the following charges:

- assault occasioning actual bodily harm (domestic violence)

- Destroy or damage property less than $2000 (domestic violence)

- Contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic)

- Common assault (domestic violence)

- Contravene prohibition/restriction in apprehended violence order (domestic)

- Driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required

Mr Rodgers granted Riley bail on the condition he report to Coffs Harbour police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and that he attend drug and alcohol counselling at the Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.

The matter was adjourned for hearing on April 17.