Ian Palamara to apply for bail after alleged Dapto assault of Carissa Edwards

A man accused of “coward” punching a mother at an Illawarra playground, causing life-altering injuries, is set to apply for bail as his impending trial for the alleged assault looms.

Ian Palamara has pleaded not guilty to reckless wounding, affray. Picture: Facebook

A man accused of “coward” punching a mother unconscious in a playground argument, allegedly causing life-altering injuries, is seeking bail just weeks before his trial begins.

Ian Palamara, 37, is set for trial later this year, after allegedly punching Illawarra mother, Carissa Edwards, in the head following a dispute at Integral Energy Park in Dapto on September 17, 2023.

It is alleged Ms Edwards confronted a woman who was yelling at her son, when Palamara then ran at the mother before punching her left eye.

Court documents state she fell to the ground, laying unconscious for some minutes, while Palamara allegedly fled the scene before police arrived.

Ms Edwards was taken to Wollongong Hospital before being transferred to Sydney Eye Hospital with a bleeding retina.

Carissa Edwards has sustained injuries to her eye. Picture: GoFundMe

An online fundraiser was created at the time to assist with Ms Edwards’ medical bills.

The fundraiser revealed the alleged details of the attack, as well as Ms Edwards’s injuries, including nine stitches to her eyeball, and permanent damage to her iris.

Ian Palamara’s trial will be held in Wollongong District Court. Picture: Dylan Arvela

The most recent update states a prosthetic lens has been inserted for cosmetic purposes.

“Currently Carissa and her children are learning to live with the new normal that has left her blind in her left eye and constantly in need of travelling to Sydney,” the fundraiser reads.

Court documents state Palamara was arrested on October 30, 2023, following investigations.

He was charged with and has since pleaded not guilty to reckless wounding and affray.

The incident allegedly occurred at Integral Energy Park, Dapto. Picture: Supplied

An initial bail bid was granted in Wollongong Local Court on October 31 by Magistrate Mark Douglass, but was later revoked after Palamara breached orders.

He has remained in custody since.

Palamara’s case was mentioned in Wollongong District Court on Thursday, where his solicitor Cameron Meaney stated another bail application would be made before his client’s impending trial.

He said the bid would be made as soon as a letter was received by Palamara’s former employer.

However, DPP solicitor Natalie Olender suggested the prosecution case was strong.

“It won’t take long,” she said.

Palamara will apply for bail on April 24, before his trial begins on July 7.

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