Anthony Walker, 21, pleads guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm after Ballina domestic violence attack

A North Coast man is behind bars after a shocking DV attack in which he “wrapped a black hoodie around the victim’s neck and used it as a leash” to drag her to a supermarket. Here’s what we know.

The attack began in the car park of Taco Bell at Ballina in northern NSW. Picture: Google Maps

A North Coast man is behind bars after a shocking domestic violence attack in which he “wrapped a black hoodie around the victim’s neck and used it as a leash” to drag her to a supermarket.

Anthony Walker, 21, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm when he faced Ballina Local Court.

Walker, who appeared in custody on Thursday, had been in a relationship with the victim for about eight months.

They were living together at the Wardell pod village temporary flood emergency housing site.

CCTV footage showed the pair walking through the Ballina Taco Bell car park on April 2.

Walker has been remanded in custody after using his hoodie to drag the woman around a car park. File image.

Walker grabbed the woman’s neck with both hands for a few seconds and “wrapped a black hoodie around the victim’s neck and used it as a leash to drag her towards Coles”, police state in court documents.

“Walker removed the hoodie (hooded jumper) from the victim’s neck and pressed his thumbs into her neck causing scratches,” police continue.

A woman driving through the car park noticed the attack, beeped her horn and the victim took the opportunity to flee for a time.

Walker yelled “f--k you” at the driver and tried to enter her car, but he was not successful and the witness was able to drive away and phone triple-0.

The abuse continued as Walker and the victim walked toward a Coles supermarket.

The attack continued in the Coles car park.

“Upon entering Coles, Walker grabbed the victim by the neck and was confrontational towards her throughout the trip by constantly getting in her face,” police state.

The couple went to a nearby bus stop and an argument broke out.

Walker punched the woman multiple times in the thigh and she fell to the ground. When she tried to stand, Walker kicked her back down.

The woman tried to defend herself and Walker ended up with a bruised cheek.

Another witness called police and officers found Walker and the woman in the Coles car park.

Police state Walker told officers he punched himself in the face, while the victim said they had both been physical towards each other.

“It was mainly me, I pushed him,” she said at the time.

The victim was arrested and taken to Ballina Police Station before officers viewed CCTV footage and spoke to witnesses. Picture: Savannah Pocock

The woman had a lump to the forehead, scratches on her neck and a cheek was bruised.

The pair did not make a further statement. Officers incorrectly arrested the victim and took her to Ballina Police Station.

However, court documents state “witnesses disputed the couple’s version of events and said Walker was attacking the victim and her actions were in self-defence”.

Police checked CCTV and determined Walker was in the wrong.

Officers released the woman, took photos of her injuries and picked Walker up at the pod village.

Walker initially denied all allegations.

He was on bail at the time of offending after pleading guilty to hindering or resisting police on New Year’s Eve 2023.

That involved police being called to a Ballina home after it was reported Walker was smashing items.

He kicked a cop and threatened “I’ll f--k you up”, according to the documents.

Police Prosecutor Tony Townsend opposed bail ahead of sentencing.

Walker applied for bail at Ballina Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

“There were numerous witnesses, his history doesn’t assist, there’s a general lack of compliance and a custodial sentence is likely,” he told the court.

But defence lawyer Natasha Wood said Walker was a vulnerable young Aboriginal man.

“He has undiagnosed mental health issues and potentially some cognitive issues as a result of past trauma,” she told the court.

“He is fearful of the time he needs to spend in prison pending his sentencing.

“He acknowledges he breached some community correction orders he was on bail for … things would potentially be easier for him if there was supervision.

Walker has been barred from contacting the victim under an AVO. File image.

She said an apprehended violence order was in place to protect the victim.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said the footage handed to the court depicted “significant violence”.

“The level of violence being shown and his noncompliance with a previous court order can’t mediate the risk if he’s granted bail,” she said.

Ms Stafford refused bail and warned Walker against contacting the victim.

“Bail is refused, if there is any attempt to contact her you are breaking the no contact condition and AVO.”

The case has been adjourned to May 17.