James Dean Birt pleads guilty to choking in Sunshine Coast court

An aspiring businessman swore at a woman as he choked her before she found an axe embedded in one of her security cameras, a Sunshine Coast has heard.

James Dean Birt leaves Maroochydore Court House.

A woman found an axe embedded in her security camera at home after she was choked by an aspiring businessman, a court has heard.

James Dean Birt, 33, appeared in Maroochydore District Court on December 3 with a crowd of supporters in the public gallery.

He pleaded guilty to one count of choking and three counts of wilful damage, and was discharged of a second count of choking.

Crown prosecutor Michael Andronicus told the court Birt and the victim argued after they had a drink.

The court heard the woman grabbed his phone but tossed it when she landed on the ground before Birt put her in a headlock.

Mr Andronicus said the woman felt her vision growing black as Birt told her “I hate you c---” and claimed it was her fault.

The woman eventually locked herself in her room, but Birt broke the lock before he removed a security camera outside and threw it inside her home, damaging a wall and a mirror in the process.

James Dean Birt leaves Maroochydore Court House.

Mr Andronicus said the next morning the woman located another camera with an axe embedded in it.

The victim read her impact statement to the court herself, her voice wavering with tears as she spoke.

She shared the “immense” emotional toll, trauma and feelings of worthlessness she suffered and was prescribed antidepressants within a week.

The woman said it became difficult to trust any person and her own judgement, and the incident impacted her family.

She spoke of the financial impact after she paid to replace and improve her security system and lost one of her jobs after moving away.

“I will carry the psychological impact for life,” the woman said.

Defence barrister James Green said his client has attended an alcohol diversion course, had started a behavioural course and had been drug and alcohol free.

He said Birt had sent a “heartfelt” written apology to the woman.

The court heard he had been receiving New Start payment to get several businesses off the ground and he put together a website to offer help to other young men in positions similar to himself.

He also attends a catch up with other men “around a fire” to talk about their issues and support each other, the court was told.

Mr Green tendered a psychological report, but Judge Glen Cash had further questions which were not addressed in the court, prompting Mr Andronicus and Mr Green to ask for an adjournment to seek additional information.

The matter was adjourned to January 22, 2025.

Originally published as James Dean Birt pleads guilty to choking in Sunshine Coast court