Central Qld man, 37, strikes partner in mouth after argument about his gambling

A woman suffered a “large laceration” which had to be stitched at a Central Queensland hospital after getting into a disagreement with her partner over his gambling habits. Here’s what happened.

A Central Queensland man was charged following a disagreement with his partner about his gambling habits. Generic image.

A woman had to be taken to Biloela Hospital after she was struck in the mouth by her male partner, following a disagreement over his gambling habits.

The 37-year-old man, who by law cannot be named, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on April 20 to contravening a domestic violence order.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said that on Saturday, March 27 last year, the man and woman were at home and there were children present.

Sgt Ongheen said the pair became involved in a verbal argument about the man’s gambling when he moved into the bedroom.

“The (woman) has entered the bedroom and another verbal argument has commenced,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“Whilst in the bedroom, the (woman) has been struck by the (man) in the mouth, causing a large laceration to her bottom lip, and a small laceration to the bridge of her nose.”

Sgt Ongheen said after the incident, the man left the house, and one of the children made a phone call for help.

He said the woman was taken to Biloela Hospital and her lip required “a number of stitches”.

Sgt Ongheen said the woman refused to provide a statement to police, and after police questioned the man and conducted further enquiries, he was charged.

The prosecution told Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale that the man had two previous breaches of domestic violence on his history.

Sgt Ongheen said both of those previous offences were dealt with by way of fines, and he submitted this time a probation order was in range and he also sought for a conviction to be recorded.

Solicitor Richard Parks said the female victim, who was the man’s partner, was in court in support of him.

Mr Parks tendered to the court an affidavit from the victim “in mitigation of the circumstances”.

“Basically, he (man) had been drinking - hadn’t had too much to drink but she had, readily admits that she had been quite inebriated at the time,” Mr Parks said.

“There had been some disagreement over some gambling issues.

“He (man) distanced himself from that, went into the bedroom, fell asleep.

“She came in after finding a text message on the phone and commenced to give him a towelling on the bed.

“Next thing, his recollection was, he saw her walking to the bathroom with blood coming from her mouth.”

At that point, Magistrate Beckinsale asked Mr Parks: “He accepts he struck her?”

Mr Parks replied: “He was the only one in the room - he accepts he must have struck her.”

Ms Beckinsale placed the man on six months’ probation with conditions and she did not record a conviction.

Originally published as Central Qld man, 37, strikes partner in mouth after argument about his gambling