Gold Coast court: Fiery scenes in bizarre Gold Coast assault trial

“What if he dragged you around like a ragdoll, how would you be? You’d want someone to protect you.”

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A WITNESS has lost his temper on the stand by calling out a magistrate in a bizarre first day of an assault trial.

Michael Turner was on Tuesday called to give evidence in the Southport Magistrates Court of an assault occasioning bodily harm.

The court heard Mr Turner saw Colin Borrott-Maloney, 70, assault Simone Wilmot during an argument after they had a minor car crash at Coomababah on Allinga Street on July 16, 2020.

Colin Borrott-Maloney, 70, with defence lawyer Stephen Blaxland outside Southport Courthouse. Picture: Jodie Callcott

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Mr Turner claimed he saw Mr Borrott-Maloney drag Ms Wilmot “like a rag doll” across the ground.

He ran to the front of his house after he heard tyres screech, a bang and a woman screaming, “Help me, he’s attacking me”, the court heard.

“I see a man dragging and manhandling a lady. He grabbed her by the hair and threw her over the bonnet,” he said.

Mr Turner became aggressive when questioned about his account by defence lawyer Stephen Blaxland, prompting magistrate Kerry Magee to cut in and ask him to answer politely.

“Do you want my truth or not?” Mr Turner said. “I’m telling you what I seen.

“Your job is to protect this lady. What if he dragged you around like a ragdoll, how would you be? You’d want someone to protect you.”

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Magistrate Magee adjourned the trial, asking Mr Turner to return once he’d calmed down.

The court was told Mr Turner and an associate intimidated Mr Blaxland and his client while outside the courtroom.

“I feel threatened. I am concerned for the safety of myself and my client,” Mr Blaxland said. “A very large gentleman outside expressed considerable anger towards me.”

Magistrate Magee said Mr Turner exaggerated what happened and dismissed his evidence, saying it was extremely unlikely Mr Borrott-Maloney, then aged 69 would have put Ms Wilmot into a headlock and dismissed the charge.

Police prosecutor Donn Reid said Ms Wilmot admitted “clipping” Mr Borrott-Maloney’s car but it escalated when they inspected the damage.

Ms Wilmot said Mr Borrott-Maloney became aggressive after she walked back to her car and put her in a chokehold, only letting go when she bit his hand.

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