Man charged after police allege he strangled, kidnapped and assaulted a woman
In an afternoon of terror, police allege a woman was choked until she was unconscious, dragged and kidnapped, before being assaulted in Singleton.
Newcastle
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A court heard how a man allegedly tried to hunt down his victim on Facebook before he found her at a public toilet block, choked her until she was unconscious and dragged her into his vehicle before assaulting her.
Luke Gore, 29, appeared via video link at Newcastle Local Court on Monday, charged with numerous domestic violence charges and the possession of prohibited drugs. He also has an apprehended violence order (AVO) against him.
On November 18, police allege the 29-year-old threatened and strangled a 25-year-old woman until she passed out at a toilet block in Bridgman Rd, Singleton.
Following the incident police commenced an investigation and arrested Gore in Newcastle over the weekend.
The court heard when she “came to” he told her “I’m going to kill you”.
It’s alleged he then forcibly dragged her to his car, assaulted and threatened her with a hammer before driving to the McDonald’s drive thru.
She was able to escape by jumping from the moving vehicle before she alerted staff at Maccas who called police.
The court also heard a week prior to the alleged incident, Gore had allegedly posted on Facebook asking for information of her whereabouts offering rewards of $1,000, before upping that to $5000 for any information.
Gore’s legal aid representative applied for bail on his behalf and also entered guilty pleas to three counts of possessing a prohibited drug which included steroids dianabol (methandienone), Buprenorphine and testosterone and drive unlicensed class.
“I appreciate that he does have a record that doesn’t do him any favours,” she said.
“But he has been compliant with bail conditions and he wishes to have nothing at all to do with the complainant in this matter.
“He’s prepared to report to Cessnock police daily and live with his mother at Lovedale.”
The prosecution opposed bail saying the charges against him were extremely serious.
She was also concerned for the safety of staff at Maccas who were witnesses to the incident.
“Given strength of prosecution case, the fact it had to go to a warrant,” the prosecution told the court.
“There’s an AVO to protect the victim but nothing other than bail refused will protect the victim in this matter.”
Magistrate Susan Horan said not only did the fact sheet disclose serious domestic violence allegations, but it was the fact he had tracked her down.
“He was picked up on a warrant, he has history of previous warrants, therefore bail is refused,” Magistrate Horan said.
His matter has been adjourned until February next year at Muswellbrook, his AVO matter also set to be listed for the same date.