Stephen Saunders in Casino court charged with assault, intimidation and property destruction

A pensioner allegedly threw some of his wife’s possessions on the ground outside their home - breaking an eagle statue - after she said she wanted to end the marriage. Read the police claims which include that the man threatened to burn the house down.

A Casino pensioner who allegedly slapped his wife’s face, threatened to burn the house down while he was inside it, and “bash up” her son, has fronted court on domestic violence matters.

Stephan Saunders, 69, fronted Casino Local Court on Thursday, October 6, charged with common assault, intimidate intending to cause fear of harm and intentionally destroying property – all of a domestic violence nature.

Police will allege that Saunders slapped his wife in the face on July 28 after an argument.

He packed his things and left for a few days – but not before hiding the complainant’s car keys so that she couldn’t leave the house, according to police facts.

The complainant rang the accused and asked about her keys, where she was met with a laugh, and a response that “they’re in my pocket” - before he added they were in the house and that she “hasn’t looked in the right place”, police allege in court documents.

Stephan Saunders, 69, fronted Casino Local Court on October 6 charged with common assault, intimidate intending to cause fear of harm and intentionally destroying property - all of a domestic violence nature.

The woman found the keys late that night in a jar on top of a cupboard.

When she asked Saunders about hiding the keys when he returned on August 3, he said: “You hurt me, I’ll hurt you”, police allege.

When the complainant told Saunders she wanted to end the marriage, he began to “rant about women”, saying “all they do is take from you”.

After calling a friend to organise another place to stay, the woman began packing her things.

In response Saunders began to threaten the complainant, police allege, saying “I’ll kill you, and I’ll kill your son, I’ll kill myself too”, and “I’ll burn the house down, and me with it”.

According to court documents, Saunders threw a number of the woman’s possessions on the ground outside the home, causing damage to photograph frames, glass and an eagle statue.

After contacting police, the woman called her son – with Saunders allegedly responding, “If (he) comes I’ll bash him up”.

Saunders was arrested and taken to Casino police station and charged.

He remains on conditional bail, and the matter has been adjourned to November 24. No pleas have been entered.