Scott Ian Aspinall refused bail for domestic assault charges

A man accused of using a power drill to screw shut a door so a woman could not leave has pleaded not guilty to charges against him.

A man accused of using a power drill to screw shut a door so a woman could not leave has pleaded not guilty in Grafton Local Court to charges against him.

A Grafton man who allegedly struck a woman with the handle end of a golf club has been refused bail.

Scott Ian Aspinall, 46, appeared in Grafton Local Court via audio visual link on Monday having pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, use of a weapon and threatening a victim to stop them from going to police.

Mr Aspinall is alleged to have punched a female victim six times while she was asleep at his home and swung the handle end of a golf club at her head on May 13, 2021.

“She raised her arm up in self-defence which resulted in significant bruising,” Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said.

“He is then alleged to have used a power drill to screw the door shut with a screw to stop her from leaving.”

Police allege that when the woman was able to leave the premises, Mr Aspinall told her “If you go to the police, I’ll kill you. You know what will happen”.

Defence solicitor John Kelly told the court Mr Aspinall had agreed to several conditions should he be released on bail.

They included no contact with the alleged victim, no social media and to not enter Grafton unless to attend court or Grafton Police Station.

Mr Kelly said Mr Aspinall’s time in custody allowed him to reflect on the incident and said his intention to attend rehabilitation in Newcastle was thwarted by the facility going into lockdown.

Mr Aspinall remained silent throughout the formal procedure and showed little emotion upon hearing of the outcome of his bail application.

A hearing for the matter has been set for December this year.