Builder Jay Passfield in Taree court charged with domestic violence assault

A Mid-North Coast builder has pleaded guilty to an assault where he swung a woman around, ripped her shirt and punched her in the eye.

Taree Courthouse.

A Taree builder has pleaded guilty to assaulting his partner in the family home, swinging her around, ripping her shirt, bashing her head against a desk and punching her in the eye.

Jay Passfield was arrested and charged with common assault (domestic violence) and released on bail on the day of the incident on October 11.

The 28-year-old appeared before Taree Local Court on December 14 with the matter adjourned for sentencing on January 30.

In the lead up to the assault the couple had been arguing, according to police documents tendered to court.

Passfield began kicking and throwing things and the victim asked him to stop.

Jay Passfield leaves Taree Local Court on December 14.

Then he pushed her up against a sink and fridge and put two hands around her neck leaving red marks.

The victim’s sister came into the kitchen and told him to stop and to let go.

The police facts state that Passfield followed her and when she asked him to calm down he grabbed her and swung her around ripping her shirt, then banged her head against a desk and punched her in the left eye with a closed fist.

The woman had her hands up to block her head, according to court documents.

Passfield then left the house and the victim and her sister called police.

According to court documents, when police arrested Passfield he said:

“I have been under a lot of pressure with work and at home.

“She was just nagging me and I just snapped.

“I know it was wrong and I did get a bit aggressive, I’m sorry.”