Grafton man Shane Skinner in Coffs court on domestic violence choke charge

A young man accused of choking a woman just two days after being released on parole has appeared in court. The police prosecutor outlined the case against him.

A young man who, the court heard, has spent the last eight Christmases in jail, is again behind bars remanded in custody for a serious domestic violence related matter.

Shane Skinner appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday via audio visual link from the Clarence Correctional Center.

The 19-year-old Grafton man was charged with ‘intentionally choke person without consent’ (domestic violence related) on December 13. The alleged offence occurred just two days after he had been released from jail the court heard.

Skinner was refused bail the day after the offence and he was back in court on Tuesday attempting once again to be released.

In arguing that he be released on bail, his lawyer told the court Skinner was a young Indigenous man at risk of being institutionalised and had spent the last eight Christmases in jail.

His client also struggles with mental health and has attempted to take his own life, the most recent attempt being in February, he told the court.

But police prosecutor Kylie Banks argued he should not be released.

“This is an incredibly serious allegation of choking for a prolonged period of time,” Ms Banks said.

Magistrate Ian Rodgers told the court he must, according to law, consider the fact Skinner is an aboriginal male with significant mental health issues when determining the outcome.

Mr Rodgers also recognised he was at risk of being institutionalised but ultimately ruled that bail be refused.

Skinner shook his head as the outcome was revealed.

The matter was adjourned to May 24.

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