Queensland racing identity applies for bail in Dalby Magistrates Court following alleged bail breaches

A prominent Queensland racing identity has made a plea to be released from custody, despite being slapped with 18 counts of breaching bail and a string of domestic violence offences.

A prominent Queensland racing identity who police allege attempted to pervert justice has made a plea to be released from custody, despite being charged with 18 counts of breaching bail and a string of domestic violence offences.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody for allegedly communicating with his former partner while on bail for a raft of alleged offences, including assault occasioning bodily harm.

Defence solicitor Frank Lynch said the majority of charges stemmed from the “acrimonious breakdown” of a marriage involving a “third party”, later revealed to be another woman.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said it was alleged the man attempted to pervert the course of justice by sending text exchanges where he offered to “ditch the mistress” if his former partner dropped charges against him.

Sergeant Hutchins said there was also an alleged incident at a racecourse where a complaint was made about his conduct.

Mr Lynch conceded the texts were breaches, but said they had been ongoing from April 9 until August 13 when a complaint was made.

The court heard the man was a prominent racing figure in the state and would suffer a loss in business if he was denied bail.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan noted the majority of breaches were communication, but said the man would have realised the enormity of the charges after he spent “a couple nights in the watch house”.

The man was released on bail but subject to strict conditions.

He is charged with 18 counts of breaching bail, 12 of contravening a domestic violence order, two of attempting to pervert justice, and one each of assault occasioning bodily harm and public nuisance.

He is due to front court again on October 19.

Originally published as Queensland racing identity applies for bail in Dalby Magistrates Court following alleged bail breaches