Matteo Donald Blackman in court accused of choking, punching woman

A father of six accused of choking a woman and punching her in the head denies the allegations against him.

Matteo Donald Blackman.

A Queensland father accused of choking a woman and punching her in the head denies the allegations against him.

Matteo Donald Blackman, 39, applied for bail in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on September 26.

Mr Blackman was charged with two counts of choking and one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Sergeant David Longhurst opposed bail being granted to Mr Blackman, stating it was a strong Crown case.

The court heard the offences allegedly spanned from July to September and that the assault involved a single punch to the head.

Defence lawyer Brendan Gimbert said his client denied the alleged assault and first choking offence ever occurred.

Regarding the second alleged choking offence, Mr Gimbert said his client was with the alleged victim but never grabbed her around the neck, instead on the shoulders and was told to leave.

“She had his cigarettes and wasn’t letting go of them,” he said.

He said his client had six children and was originally from North Queensland and had only been in Rockhampton a short while.

He sought briefs of evidence on all charges and argued his client would spend a long time in custody before his matters reached a higher court.

He said his client could be placed on strict bail conditions, including that he not attend the alleged victim’s residence, contact her or any witness, and that he report regularly to Rockhampton Police Station.

Acting Magistrate Paul Byrne said the alleged choking offences were very serious.

“The offending by you is alleged to have been quite violent, protracted and sustained over a relatively short period of time,” he said.

“Police are concerned you may commit further like offences if you are granted bail.

“I share the concerns of police.”

Mr Byrne refused to grant Mr Blackman bail and adjourned his matters to November 8.

Originally published as Matteo Donald Blackman in court accused of choking, punching woman