Alleged violent choker Bruce Psaila tears up in Sunshine court after his mum labels him ‘intolerable’

A plasterer accused of choking a woman has teared up in Sunshine court after his mother described him as “intolerable” when he is on drugs.

Bruce Psaila fronted Sunshine Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: Facebook

A Melton plasterer who allegedly left a woman fearing for her life after assaulting her has teared up in court when his mother was giving evidence.

Bruce Psaila, 42, fronted the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court via video link from custody on Monday morning for a sentence indication.

Psaila had been charged with a slew of offences including make threat to kill, make threat to destroy property, assault and dangerous driving charges.

The court heard Psaila visited a woman’s home on April 8, 2024 and stayed the night.

The following morning, the pair had an argument where Psaila allegedly became enraged and began to verbally assault the woman.

Bruce Psaila has been charged with a slew of offences. Picture: Facebook

He also allegedly spat on her before grabbing her throat and choking her until she was unable to breathe.

The court was told he then let go, pushed her to the ground and exited the property.

Psaila is also accused of erratic driving on September 30 last year.

He allegedly was having an argument with a passenger in his vehicle when he began heavily swerving the Toyota Camry he was driving.

His passenger told police she feared for her life and was scared for other road users.

Psaila was pulled over by the police and was allegedly driving with a cancelled licence.

When quizzed by police about the incident, Psaila said he was “f---king erratic”.

“I was just raging at her,” he said.

“I could’ve had an accident.”

During the court proceedings, Psaila’s mother was called to give evidence.

She said her son had been suffering from a serious drug problem since he was 20.

“He is amazing when he is clean and has a big heart,” she said.

“But he is intolerable when he is on drugs.”

She also said she doesn’t know what to do to help her son with his addiction.

Psaila put his head in his hands and began crying while his mother gave evidence.

Magistrate Graeme Kiel said Psaila “cannot control his temper”.

He indicated he would sentence him to nine months in custody if he was to plead guilty to the charges before the court.

Psaila rejected this sentence indication and denied some of the charges.

He will next front court on June 17 to begin the contest mention process.