Townsville police rescue toddler, charge man with DV offences after alleged strangulation, firearm threats

A 29-year-old man has asked a court for bail after a horrifying incident in which a woman was allegedly strangled, threatened with a firearm, and had her child snatched. Read his shocking outburst.

Generic crime: Queensland police crime scene tape. Picture: QPS.

Police have charged a 29-year-old man with a string of domestic violence offences after a horrifying incident in which a woman was allegedly assaulted and threatened with a firearm on Tuesday afternoon.

Police allege that around 1.30pm on Tuesday the man left a residence in a vehicle, taking their toddler with him.

According to police, they were notified and intercepted the man’s vehicle shortly after, where they found a knife and baseball bat, as well as a firearm at a residence, which they allege belonged to the man.

The child was unharmed, but the woman was transported to Townsville University Hospital for assessment, according to police.

Police have charged the 29-year-old with two counts each of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and contravening a domestic violence order, and one count each of strangulation (domestic violence offence), common assault (domestic violence offence), deprivation of liberty (domestic violence offence), and threatening violence (domestic violence offence), but further charges may be coming as the investigation is ongoing.

The 29-year-old appeared before a magistrate at Townsville Court House. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The 29-year-old was denied bail by police before his court appearance.

He appeared via video link in Townsville court after midday, with his lawyer offering for him to reside in Brisbane with family to ensure the safety of the alleged victim.

But Magistrate Richard Lehmann refused bail given the serious nature of the charges and the accused’s history of breaching court orders.

“They are extremely serious charges and he has a history of contravention of domestic violence orders,” Mr Lehmann said.

“He has a history of breaching court orders. His application for bail is refused and he is remanded in custody.”

After Mr Lehmann announced the decision, the alleged offender became belligerent, gave the court the middle finger and swore multiple times.

“Bro, that’s a f--kin’ lie, bro. I’ll just start bashing the cops down here then, aye,” the accused said before the video link was ended.

His matter has been set down to be heard on the 24h of February.

After being refused bail, the 29-year-old had a shocking outburst. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit Officer in Charge Acting Sergeant Kallan Drury said the safe return of the toddler and the arrest of the man was a great result.

“This was an outstanding combined response by general duties officers, detectives and the tactical crime unit to ensure the man was taken into custody as quickly and safely as possible.

“Domestic violence is a scourge on society and often has lifelong impacts on the victims and children.

“Townsville police are committed to protecting the victims of the cowardly crime that is domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“Everyone has the right to live without fear of domestic and family violence.”

Originally published as Townsville police rescue toddler, charge man with DV offences after alleged strangulation, firearm threats