Geordie Muller: Mt Evelyn man spat at, pushed estranged partner down driveway

A judge has condemned a Mt Evelyn man for “disgraceful” behaviour towards his estranged partner after she dumped him on the way home from Eastland.

Geordie Muller faced Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on March 16 over a series of incidents with his estranged partner. File Picture.

A Mt Evelyn man spat at and verbally abused his pregnant partner after she threw him out of her car on the way home from a shopping centre, a court has heard.

Geordie Muller, 28, appeared from custody at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on March 16 following a series of incidents between himself and his estranged partner since December 2019.

He pleaded guilty to 16 charges stemming from five incidents, including counts of unlawful assault, intentionally damaging property and bail offences.

The court heard the couple’s issues began on December 17, 2019, when Muller’s pregnant partner told him during a visit to Eastland she wanted to end their relationship, and they would drive home so he could collect his belongings.

Muller became verbally aggressive during the journey and spat in her face, and the woman asked him to get out of the car at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Croydon Rd in Croydon.

He then threw some metal pencils at the dashboard before he got out, and spat again in her face, kicked a door and threw an item at the car as she drove off.

The woman then went to Mooroolbark police station and asked for help to move her belongings so she didn’t have to go home to Muller.

The court also heard the estranged couple had arguments at both of their houses between April and November 2021.

On one occasion, the woman went to Muller’s house on June 4, to confront him after he got inside her Mooroolbark home without permission.

Muller allegedly spat at the woman, tried to damage her car with a wheelie bin, pushed her down the driveway and tried to take her phone.

At Wednesday’s hearing, defence lawyer Manny Brennan said Muller’s offending in 2021 coincided with a drug use relapse, including cannabis and ice, to cope with the death of a close friend.

The woman also appeared via video link at Wednesday’s hearing in support for Muller, and Mr Brennan said his client showed a “commitment to not only their relationship but to their children”.

Magistrate Mia Stylianou told Muller his behaviour was “egregious” and he was “lucky to still have a family”.

“Your behaviour at the very basic level speaks of a real disrespect and disgraceful conduct against this woman,” she said.

“These offences are just awful, and I hope you’re embarrassed sitting there listening to them.”

Muller asked Ms Stylianou to consider not giving him jail time, as he had “had enough of this life.”

“I definitely don’t want to be back in and out of jail … I just want to get back to my family and do what’s right,” he said.

Ms Stylianou adjourned the hearing for a likely sentencing at the court on March 25.