Lismore man’s fitness for trial in question as he faces raft of serious domestic violence charges

A Northern Rivers man is staring down a slew of domestic violence related assault, rape and kidnapping allegations. Here’s the latest.

The man cannot be identified to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

A northern NSW man is staring down a slew of domestic violence related assault, rape and kidnapping allegations.

The Lismore man, who cannot legally be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, faced Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court.

Police allege the man breached an apprehended domestic violence order between 6pm on October 4, 2021 and 9am on October 5, 2021.

It’s alleged the man in his 50s attacked a woman and destroyed her property in the Lismore area.

The defendant has denied some allegations, while pleas have not been entered on some charges. File image. Picture: iStock

Police also allege he detained the woman, groped her genitals and breasts and forced her to participate in sex acts.

On Monday, defence lawyer Kim Ivosevac requested a special hearing to determine the accused’s mental health and fitness for trial.

She told the court her client had some issues understanding the court process and a health professional had been retained for his mental health.

The man, dressed in pants, shirt and tie with long hair pulled into a ponytail showed little emotion as he watched the proceedings.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually touching another person without consent, and one count each of taking/detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

Lismore Court House.

The man has not entered pleas on charges of breaching an AVO, six counts of common assault and one count each of destroying or damaging property, inciting other person to carry out a sexual act with them without consent, stalking/intimidating intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Judge Priestley ordered a report into the defendant’s fitness for trial and adjourned the case to November 3.

His case is scheduled to go to trial in late May next year at this stage.

The accused remains on bail.