Danny Zayat fails in bail bid after being charged with serious domestic violence offences

A western Sydney man charged with serious domestic violence offences following the death of his partner has failed in his bid for release to bail.

A western Sydney man charged with serious domestic violence offences following the death of his partner has failed in his bid for release to bail – with his lawyer arguing the case was weakened by the fact the alleged victim was “unavailable”.

Danny Zayat was charged with 18 domestic violence offences last week, after his partner Tatiana Dokhotaru was found dead in their Liverpool apartment on Saturday. He has not been charged over her death.

Police are looking at how Ms Dokhotaru died, with Liverpool local court on Friday hearing prosecutors were likely to “upgrade” Zayat’s charges.

The 28-year-old has been in custody on remand since his arrest, and made a bid for bail on Friday – with his lawyer Talal Krayem arguing the case was “weakened” by the fact Ms Dokhotaru would be “unavailable” to give evidence.

Danny Zayat, 28, has failed in his bid to be released from jail on alleged domestic violence charges.

“The are serious charges but there are issues,” he told the court.

“I say this with utmost respect – the prosecution will have difficulty calling witnesses – the complainant is unavailable.”

Hearing the comment, Ms Dokhotaru’s friend and family spokesperson Tendayi Chivunga burst into tears and left the court room.

Tatiana "Tania" Dokhotaru was found dead in her apartment at Liverpool.

“That was very hard to hear,” she said.

The prosecution rejected Mr Krayem’s submission saying evidence had been collected that allegedly showed Zayat had been physically abusing Ms Dokhotaru for a sustained period.

“There was a clear cycle of violence,” Sergeant Wilson alleged.

“Mr Zayat was (allegedly) abusive and had a coercive and controlling relationship toward now deceased victim.”

Family spokesperson Tendayi Chivunga.

Jamila Zayat, mother of Danny Zayat.

The court heard Ms Dokhotaru had been documenting the alleged abuse perpetrated by her partner – with photos and videos of her injuries a set to make a big part of the case.

“She suffered injuries that lasted three weeks (following an alleged choking incident),” Sergeant Wilson said.

“There were bruises to her neck and bleeding tonsils.”

The court was also told police had obtained CCTV of Zayat arriving and leaving the Liverpool unit block where Ms Dokhotaru’s body was found around the time of the incident.

Despite the defence arguing for his release based on his clean criminal record – Magistrate Paul Lyon refused his bail application, noting that of found guilty, he would spend a lengthy period in custody.

Following the news, Zayat’s family and supporters were heard yelling and swearing – with his brother telling media his brother is innocent.

Zayat will remain in custody until he next appears before the court in August.

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