Christopher Aaron Phillips faces Caloundra Court on domestic violence charges

A man accused of a string of serious DV charges, including suffocating his ex partner and attacking her while armed with a knife, allegedly googled how long concussions last and whether people regain memory loss after head trauma.

Christopher Aaron Phillips (left)leaves Caloundra Magistrates Court.

A tattooed man who has been accused of a string of serious DV charges, including suffocating his ex partner and attacking her while armed with a knife, allegedly googled how long concussions last and whether people regain memory loss after head trauma.

Christopher Aaron Phillips, 41, faced Caloundra Magistrates Court on four domestic violence charges, Tuesday, September 9.

It was a directions hearing where the defendant’s team and prosecution pleaded their cases to have the charges handed up for witness cross examination.

Police have alleged on October 14, 2023, Mr Phillips suffocated his ex partner, and the mother of his children, at his home at Caloundra West.

He was also charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (DV), assault occasioning bodily harm while armed with a knife (DV) and deprivation of liberty (DV). No pleas have been entered.

The court heard following the alleged domestic violence incident Mr Phillips’ ex partner gave two separate statements to police.

Once after the incident in October last year and one in February this year after she was able to remember more following a head injury.

The court heard she told police she now remembered a hand being placed over her nose. Police alleged Mr Phillips suffocated her.

She allegedly said in a reflecting statement that she ‘couldn’t scream … couldn’t breathe … couldn’t say stop’ when being allegedly suffocated.

Christopher Aaron Phillips leaves Caloundra Magistrates Court.

Police are alleging she suffered a head injury from the trauma among other injuries.

Mr Phillips’ lawyer told the court the couple were estranged and she only came over for a family matter.

He pointed to CCTV footage of the alleged victim leaving his home calmly.

Police told the court this was a ruse from the alleged victim to escape.

The court heard the woman alleged she was hit and approached by Mr Phillips who then produced a knife.

Police alleged the knife was used on her and she was hit to the hip.

Mr Phillips allegedly told police she had tripped over her work bag while at his place and hit her head. His lawyer told the court this account of events was consistent with what was observed at hospital.

It was alleged she may have been drugged while there. However Mr Phillips’ lawyer told the court blood tests proved otherwise.

Christopher Aaron Phillips leaves Caloundra Magistrates Court.

The court heard she remembered more about the knife and where it came from when giving her second statement earlier this year. Police still have not found the knife which was allegedly used.

Mr Phillips’ lawyer told the court the alleged victim’s account of the incident was inconsistent and unreliable.

Police countered this – saying it was common for a DV victim to speak up later and also normal to recall events later following a head injury.

Police told the court she was reluctant to report any matters because of inaction from police in the past.

As a part of their case police are alleging Mr Phillips made multiple searches on his mobile phone in relation to concussions and the chances of memory returning after a head injury or concussion.

A laptop search for a M5 pistol for sale in Australia was brought up by Mr Phillips’ lawyer, saying CCTV proved he didn’t make the searches. However, police told the court this was not a part of their case.

Body worn footage was also tendered at court.

Mr Phillips had his charges adjourned to October 8 to hear whether they would progress to witness cross examination.

Mr Phillips is not required to appear.

Originally published as Christopher Aaron Phillips faces Caloundra Court on domestic violence charges