Charles Albert Pawney in court for assault and wilful damage

A Hervey Bay man on parole after serving time for torturing two men over a missing bag of drugs has faced court on fresh charges.

Charles Albert Pawney appeared in Hervey Bay Magistrate Court on January 4, 2024.

A Wondunna man convicted of torturing two men over a missing bag of drugs in 2021 was remanded in custody to a Hervey Bay court on Monday on charges of wilful damage, assault, stealing and carrying a knife.

Charles Albert Pawney, 25, faced Hervey Bay Magistrate Court via video link, charged with wilful damage (domestic violence), common assault (domestic violence), and stealing (domestic violence) and possessing a knife in a public place.

The court heard when the alleged offending took place Mr Pawney was on parole for torturing his former roommate and a friend in an Urangan home when they believed they had taken a backpack containing $30,000 worth of drugs.

Three co-conspirators were also sentenced for the acts against the two men.

Charles Albert Pawney

Pawney was sentenced to six years in prison on March 19, 2021, but was paroled on July 25 of that year.

He did not enter a plea during Monday’s hearing, and applied for bail through duty lawyer Kade Eames.

Mr Eames, of Gold Law, said Mr Pawney had a “supportive network” of family members such as his father who was prepared to let him live at his Kawungan property.

Along with his father, he was supported by other family members in court.

Mr Eames told the court Mr Pawney was prepared to go into rehab at Bayside Transformations to treat his drug addictions.

Police prosecutor Kim Harwood said authorities rejected his bid for bail believing him to be an “unacceptable risk” to the community.

Magistrate Stephen Gutteridge said the evidence against Mr Pawney was “strong” and rejected his application.

He adjourned the matter to April 4, 2024, for mention with remanded Mr Pawney in custody.

Originally published as Charles Albert Pawney in court for assault and wilful damage