Ty Jeffrey Hammant: Man accused of torture, extortion fronts Beenleigh Magistrates Court

A South East Queensland dad accused of torturing a man and leaving him “gagged and duct taped” in a bedroom has told a court what is alleged is a “joke”.

A South East Queensland dad accused of holding a man hostage, torturing him, and having him transfer ownership of his car has told a magistrate he would “just like a chance” to be released from custody on bail.

Ty Jeffrey Hammant, 35, of Wynnum West appeared in Beenleigh Magistrates Court via video-link from custody on Tuesday, July 12 to apply for bail in relation to five offences alleged to have occurred on February 21.

He is accused of keeping a man hostage and subjecting him to physical violence, before having him sign over a vehicle to him.

The alleged victim was eventually found in a bedroom, “gagged and duct taped”.

Police prosecutor Tim Wise said the alleged victim reported being punched and kicked while held hostage.

Mr Wise noted Hammant’s history was lengthy at 22 pages and that he had been sentenced to periods of imprisonment for more than a decade, arguing there was a “real risk” he would reoffend if granted bail.

The five “serious” charges laid against Hammant included one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, deprivation of liberty, unlawful wounding, extortion, and torture.

Representing himself in court on Tuesday, Hammant said there were some “inconsistencies” in the alleged victim’s recount of events.

“In his brief, he says that I injected him with drugs but at the same time he says that he’s never met me …,” Hammant said.

“It’s just, it’s a joke.”

Hammant said he wanted to be released from custody so he could see his children and mother who is “dying”.

Magistrate Michael O‘Driscoll told Hammant police had alleged his release would present an unacceptable risk of failing to appear at court, committing other offences, endangering the safety of the complainant, and interfering with witnesses.

Hammant said it could take years for the matter to go to trial and he would like to be allowed to re-enter the community.

“I would just like a chance please,” he said.

Mr O’Driscoll denied Hammant’s application for bail and adjourned the matter to August 10 for committal-mention at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Originally published as Ty Jeffrey Hammant: Man accused of torture, extortion fronts Beenleigh Magistrates Court