Southern Downs dad walks for threatening to shoot 6yo daughter

A Southern Downs father who threatened to shoot his six-year-old daughter before assaulting a police officer during a violent rampage at his family home had a history of family violence.

A Granite Belt dad has threatened to shoot his six-year-old daughter before assaulting a police officer during a violent rampage at his family home. Photo: iStock

A Southern Downs father who threatened to shoot his six-year-old daughter before assaulting a police officer during a violent rampage at his family home will not serve time behind bars.

Police prosecutor Steve de Lissa told the Stanthorpe Magistrates Court the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had a history of assault and domestic violence breaches.

Sergeant de Lissa said in the latest incident, the 29-year-old began abusing his family during a drunken outburst on March 6.

“At 10.30pm (he) reversed into the rear of another vehicle causing scratches and marks,” he said.

“He then started abusing the family before threatening to shoot everyone, including his six-year-old daughter.”

Police were called to the home after the violence continued.

Sergeant de Lissa told the Stanthorpe Magistrates Court the man lit a small fire on the front lawn, destroyed a swing set and television, threw various items like lights onto the house, and began punching cars.

“He was screaming when police tried to arrest him and he kicked the police officer in the chest,” Sergeant de Lissa said.

Defence lawyer Hamish Chapman said his client struggled with alcohol addiction and was “incredibly intoxicated” at the time.

“He had a particularly bad night and did some bad things, that is not something he might ordinarily engage in,” Mr Chapman said.

The man’s relationship with his child’s mother had broken down and was in an “irretrievable state”, which contributed to the outburst, according to Mr Chapman.

Magistrate Julian Noud said the man’s violent outburst was “serious” and “deeply concerning”.

The man pleaded guilty to assaulting police and contravening a domestic violence order.

He was jailed for seven months but released on immediate parole.

Originally published as Southern Downs dad walks for threatening to shoot 6yo daughter