Charlie John Coveney, accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Matthew Hawkins, has matter mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court

The 26-year-old former boxer is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to a man during a brawl outside a Gatton pub, knocking the alleged victim to the ground and fracturing his skull.

A 26-year-old man accused of fracturing another man’s skull during a fight outside a Gatton hotel has had a charge of grievous bodily harm mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Charlie John Coveney was not required to be in court for the brief mention but was represented by Toowoomba solicitor Joe McConnell who was acting as town agent for Coveney’s legal team of Fisher Dore Lawyers.

Mr McConnell said the defendant’s legal team was still waiting for the police brief of evidence.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Julia Wheaten told the court the arresting officer in the case was on leave and asked for an adjournment.

Charlie John Coveney (main image) has faced court accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Matthew Hawkins outside a Gatton pub on December 3, 2022.

Police claim Mr Coveney fractured Matthew Hawkins’ skull during a fight outside Gatton’s Commercial Hotel on December 3, 2022.

His injuries left Mr Hawkins fighting for his life in the Princess Alexandra Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

During Mr Coveney’s initial appearance in the same court in December, police prosecutor Bettina Trenear told the court Mr Hawkins’ injuries were so grave he had undergone two surgeries to remove part of his skull to release pressure on his swollen brain.

At that hearing, solicitor Jag MacDonald, of MacDonald Law, for Mr Coveney, said his client intended pleading not guilty by way of self defence.

Mr Coveney has not been required to enter a plea to the charge.

Magistrate Clare Kelly on Friday remanded Mr Coveney in custody and adjourned the case for mention back in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on February 17.