Father sobs in Toowoomba Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to domestic violence offences

A man was told by his lawyer to pull himself together as the prosecutor read out the details of his 12-month reign of abuse and ridicule against his partner, which included mocking her miscarriage while at a cafe with her family.

A young father who sobbed uncontrollably as his 22 domestic violence charges were read into the record led to his lawyer telling him to pull himself together.

The charges took place over a 12 month period starting in December 2021.

Police prosecutor Jessica Lynch summarised the man’s offending as protacted and fuelled by alcohol.

On six occasions the court was told the 30-year-old man lost his temper and lashed out at the mother of his 18-month-old child by kicking her or throwing household items at her, including a picture frame.

On one occasion the man assaulted the woman as she slept, kicking her several times and forcing her out of the bed they shared.

In a very public act of abuse, the court was told the man mocked the woman while they were at a cafe with her family, calling her a ‘crackhead’ and making jibes about a miscarriage in an attempt to menace her.

Senior Sergeant Lynch asked for the man to be jailed, to send a strong message to the community that the courts denounced this sort of abuse.

“As a circumstance of aggravation, the first offence occurs a short time into a protection order that was made in this court in October 2021,” she said.

Defence solicitor Stuart Percy conceded that his client’s offending was serious and sustained.

He went on to describe his client as an “unsophisticated man” who was friendless, and that his grandfather was the only strong relationship in his life.

“He tells me he is frightened to go out, he is particularly ashamed about his behaviour, and he is very upset every time we talk about the matter,” Mr Percy said.

“He seems to be a disconnected, socially awkward man.

“He knows he has ruined the relationship he has with a woman and it has interfered with the relationship he has with his son. This has been a life shattering event for him.”

Mr Percy went on to say that his client had a good work ethic, doing an average of 50 hours a week as a diesel fitter.

He added the offending occurred while his client was drunk and that he has since sworn off alcohol.

In sentencing, magistrate Clare Kelly took into account the man’s plea and remorse and cautioned that he needed professional help.

“The facts of the offending certainly paint a picture of a very toxic approach to the relationship and a significant issue with alcohol,” she said.

“The way you treated your partner went entirely against what was justified.”

After pleading guilty to 12 counts of breaching a domestic violence protection order, six counts of common assault and four counts of wilful damage, the man was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for an operational period of 12 months.

Ms Kelly also set down a 15 month probation order that came with special conditions; that the man submit to treatment and counselling programs for alcohol misuse and domestic violence.