Schofields man, 22, ‘tried to suffocate’ partner’s 10-month-old baby
A 22-year-old man will remain behind bars after he allegedly raped his partner and tried to suffocate her baby.
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A man who allegedly suffocated and raped his girlfriend and tried to suffocate her 10-month-old baby in the family home will remain behind bars.
The 22 year old Schofields man faced Blacktown Local Court today charged with three counts of reckless choking and two of rape.
Police allege the man raped his partner twice on February 2 and tried to choke her.
It’s also alleged the man tried to suffocate her baby boy on two occasions by putting his hand over his mouth.
Police were called to the home in Schofields on just after 12.30pm on Sunday after reports of a domestic violence incident.
The man was arrested at the scene while his partner and the baby were taken to Blacktown Hospital. They have since been released.
In applying for bail, defence solicitor Vincent Cataldi told the court the man had not faced criminal charges before.
Mr Cataldi said the man would be vulnerable if he remained behind bars due to his young age, mental health issues and Aboriginality.
However, the prosecution argued against the man’s release, and said he would face a “significant jail term” if convicted.
“The baby had at one point turned red by (the accused’s) hand being over his face,” the prosecution said.
“There is also a pattern of behaviour of him grabbing the victim (his girlfriend) around the neck.”
Magistrate Karen Robinson said the man posed an “unacceptable risk” to the alleged victims.
Ms Robinson refused bail on the grounds his release could “endanger the safety” of his girlfriend and her child.
The matter will return to court on March 30.