Noosa restaurateur Richard Edwin Selkirk Pace arrested on choking charges
A high-profile Noosa restaurateur has been charged with allegedly choking a woman with police alleging he used his ‘wealth and status’ against her.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A high-profile Noosa restaurateur will spend Christmas behind bars on remand after he allegedly choked a woman who police claim was scared of his “wealth and status” and “retribution”.
Richard Elwin Selkirk Pace was arrested on the weekend after police allege he dragged a woman by the hair, punched her and choked her by placing his hands around her neck for 10 seconds.
The Noosa Heads man appeared via video link in Maroochydore Magistrates Court from the watch house where he applied for bail following the “very violent, very nasty [alleged] assault”, according to police prosecutor Mick Ruddiman.
$100k raised for Indian national Abin Philip following tragic death at Gardners Falls
Sergeant Ruddiman said Mr Pace had a “controlling, violent nature” while objecting to his bail with the court hearing claims the restaurateur was grossly affected by drugs and alcohol when he spoke to police.
Defence solicitor Chelsea Emery said there could be strict bail conditions placed on her client pointing to the fact his last criminal entry was from 2006.
Ms Emery said the alleged incident was out of character for the well-known Noosa Heads restaurateur and was seeking his bail so he could operate the business over Christmas.
Ms Emery said his restaurant, which employed 70 staff, had sponsored various organisations which spoke of his good character and said there was no significant evidence of an injury from the alleged attack.
Reading from the objection to bail affidavit written by police, Magistrate Graham Hillan said the alleged victim claimed Mr Pace used his “wealth and status” against her.
Mr Hillan continued to read from the document where the alleged victim said she was “frightened of retribution” from the restaurateur.
Man dies in horror bike and truck crash at Corbould Park on the Sunshine Coast
Mr Hillan refused Mr Pace’s bail.
His case was adjourned to February 10, 2023 where he faces two counts of assault (domestic violence offence), choking (domestic violence offence) and obstructing police.
More Coverage
Originally published as Noosa restaurateur Richard Edwin Selkirk Pace arrested on choking charges
Bail-breach accused says pregnancy helped clean up her act
An expecting mum fronted a Sunshine Coast court over a string of bail breaches.
Man’s cocaine stash uncovered in early morning drug raid
A man has found himself wrapped up in a major drug operation after he was discovered contacting the alleged “targets” to buy drugs.
Man charged over fatal hinterland crash
A 54-year-old man has been charged over a serious crash that killed an elderly motorcyclist in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Attack on woman sparked by dog discussion at popular beach
A woman is recovering from serious injuries following an attack at a well-known beach and, in a separate incident, police are also investigating another woman being chased by a stranger.
Disgraced surf coach’s stunning admission amid new charges shock
Fresh accusations have been levelled at a Sunshine Coast surfer prior to him officially admitting to 29 charges which include allegations of indecent treatment and grooming.
WATCH: Six teens arrested after police track two stolen Kias
Two boys have been charged, and four others are being investigated, after two separate stolen vehicles were tracked down by Sunshine Coast police. WATCH THE VIDEO.