Family violence during Melbourne lockdown: Heidelberg Heights assault
They had a happy, healthy relationship for six years before unique stressors — including the COVID pandemic — hit in 2020. Then she was left bleeding in their apartment and he found himself before a court.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Melbourne’s lockdown contributed to a couple’s relationship turning violent after a happy six years, a court has heard.
The man and woman’s long-term union took a turn when he punched her in the face during an argument at their Heidelberg Heights home about 1pm on Saturday, June 27.
The assault caused her nose to bleed and her to scream and cry in pain, leading to neighbours coming to her aid.
Police arrived to find blood smears on the wall and door frame, and a witness telling them: “He punched the sh*t out of her”.
He had fled the scene and she told police she was scared of him coming back, Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court heard when the 36-year-old man appeared on Monday, August 24.
His lawyer, Lauren Tye, told the court the couple had enjoyed a “happy and healthy” relationship before they suffered a personal loss in March.
There had been one report to police of family violence between the pair in October 2019, but Ms Tye said the incident had been only a verbal altercation.
“There have been no issues prior,” she said, pointing out the woman’s statement to police confirmed there’d been nothing of the nature of the assault previously.
It was when the couple were dealing with their loss, further frustrated by the impact of COVID-19, and the fact that it meant he had been unable to work and had incurred new financial stresses, that the assault occurred, the court heard.
“It’s a unique situation,” Ms Tye said.
“They hope to be reunited.”
The court heard the woman was not supportive of the police’s push to have an intervention order put in place, and while she had refused to accompany paramedics to hospital after the attack, she hadn’t ended up with an ongoing injury.
The man had responded to a request to attend Heidelberg police station after the attack on July 1, and spent two days in custody before he was granted bail.
Magistrate Stephen Ballek said the assault “was a very serious offence”.
“He has punched a woman in the face, causing her nose to bleed and significant pain.”
“I take it very seriously.”
The man pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful assault after Mr Ballek indicated he would convict him, fine him $750, and place him on an 18-month good behaviour bond, with the condition he complete a Men’s Behaviour Change course.
Mr Ballek said he was taking into account that the man had spent two days in custody.
MORE: HOW COVID-19 HELPED AN ALLEGEDLY VIOLENT MAN GET BAIL
NEIGHBOUR FEUD ENDS IN STABBING