Collaroy man Andrew Jason Cunliff refused bail over allegations he injured woman in laundry row over shirt

A belief that a shirt had been stolen led to the alleged assault of three people – including a 79-year-old woman who police claim was called a “fat ugly cow” – in a shared laundry at a Sydney block of flats.

Three people, including two elderly residents, were allegedly assaulted in the shared laundry room at a block of units at Collaroy. Picture: David Kelly

A man who was allegedly enraged after believing his shirt had been stolen is accused of assaulting three people, including a 79-year-old woman in a shared laundry at a northern beaches’ block of flats.

Andrew Jason Cunliff, 36, allegedly lashed out at other residents of the apartment complex at Collaroy on Tuesday afternoon.

The elderly woman ended up on the laundry floor with a head injury, Manly Local Court heard on Wednesday.

A 74-year-old man and 57-year-old man were also allegedly assaulted.

Cunliff, a former crane driver, was charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault. No pleas have been entered.

Andrew Jason Cunliff was refused bail in Manly Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

During an application for Cunliff to be released on bail, the court was told the accused was in the laundry of the unit block on Frazer St when he confronted the younger of the men over allegations that he had stolen a shirt.

Cunliff began to be “abusive and obnoxious” towards the man and the elderly woman, Magistrate Daniel Reiss said.

Cunliff was arrested on Tuesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

He called the woman a “fat ugly cow”, the court heard.

Cunliff then allegedly violently pushed a laundry door into the 57-year-old man, causing him to lurch into the elderly woman, Mr Reiss said.

The woman was knocked off her feet and the back of her head struck the floor, leaving her with a large lump.

The 74-year-old man then intervened and was leaning over the fallen woman when Cunliff allegedly pushed him down on to the woman, causing an injury to the man’s elbow.

“These are a very disturbing set of facts,” Mr Reiss said.

The magistrate said police described Cunliff’s behaviour as “aggressive and erratic”.

Mr Reiss told the court Cunliff had a criminal record of violence and a record of ignoring previous bail conditions and court orders.

His Legal Aid solicitor said Cunliff lived at the unit block with his girlfriend, who is currently overseas.

The solicitor said Cunliff has been diagnosed with PTSD after a workplace accident and was suffering with a personality disorder.

Mr Reiss refused bail.

Cunliff will be back in court for a plea or mention on June 11.