David Eric Ballangarry refused bail in Coffs Harbour court after alleged Bowraville Mission brawl

A man on bail was allegedly involved in a bloody melee in which weapons were used at an Aboriginal mission in northern NSW, a court heard.

David Eric Ballangarry was charged with affray and reckless wounding in company following an alleged incident at Bowraville.

A man on bail was allegedly involved in a wild brawl in which weapons including a 25cm bowie knife were pulled out at an Aboriginal mission west of Nambucca Heads, a court heard.

David Eric Ballangarry is accused of using only his fists during the melee, while others allegedly lashed out with the large knife and empty Jim Beam and VB bottles.

A man suffered multiple stab wounds during the incident.

Ballangarry, who moves between Bowraville and Marrickville, was on bail for assaulting an officer in the execution of duty and behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place on October 23, 2021.

David Ballangarry appeared via audio visual link at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday.

On September 14 last year, two groups of men were at Bowraville Mission when Ballangarry challenged someone to a fight and they replied “yeah, righto”, police allege in court documents.

Police also allege men pulled out various weapons, while one-litre alcohol bottles were thrown.

It’s alleged one man was stabbed, kicked and hit in the head with a piece of timber.

Court documents state another man suffered a cut, loose front teeth and bruising under both eyes but was unsure if he lost consciousness.

Police allege Ballangarry’s involvement was limited to throwing punches at the man he challenged to a fight - hitting him on the left side of the face and jaw.

The other man allegedly punched back, hitting Ballangarry “possibly twice”.

Coffs court heard that Ballangarry was “vulnerable” in custody as an Aboriginal man.
Picture: Corrective Services NSW

On February 8, police spotted Ballangarry walking along Mann St at Nambucca Heads.

He was arrested and taken to Kempsey Police Station, where he was charged with affray, reckless wounding in company and breach of bail.

Ballangarry appeared via audio visual link in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday and a release application was sought.

Defence lawyer Jesse Sinclair asked for conditional bail to be considered including stipulations that his client reside in Sydney to provide separation from the complainant and Bowraville.

He said Ballangarry was “vulnerable” in custody as an indigenous man.

Mr Sinclair said Ballangarry was hit by a car when he was aged 21 and still suffered pain.

He said his client only went to school until the seventh grade and police alleged Ballangarry’s involvement in the alleged fracas “is less” than others also charged.

Ballangarry has not entered pleas to any of the charges.

Bail was refused and the case was adjourned to April 7 and August 23.