Keith Wayne Woods sentenced to three years jail for violent abuse of ex-girlfriend

A Supreme Court justice has detailed the violent and brutal abuse a woman was subjected to by her ex-boyfriend.

Keith Wayne Woods. Picture: Supplied

A drug addict will remain behind bars after he repeatedly physically assaulted his ex-partner.

Keith Wayne Woods was sentenced to three years jail for one count of criminal code assault and another count of wounding.

His sentence has been backdated to October 22, 2022, and he will not be eligible for parole until he has served 21 months imprisonment.

During sentencing, Justice Tamara Jago said that Woods and his partner had a tumultuous relationship and both used drugs during that time.

Woods’ partner visited him in a unit on September 28, 2022.

Justice Jago noted that Woods did not have permission to be at her unit and that the pair were arguing.

Burnie Supreme and Magistrate Courts. Picture: File

“You called her a number of unsavoury names and approached her in an aggressive manner,” she said.

“At one point, the complainant asked you to just let her leave. You told her she could not.

“She was standing by the kitchen sink, and you approached her from behind. As she turned to face you, you hit her to the eye and nose area.”

The woman then picked up a knife and threatened to stab Woods if he went near her.

However, as he approached her, she dropped the knife.

Justice Jago said Woods picked up the knife and then acted as though he might harm her with it.

“You did not use the knife but instead hit the complainant to the head and then kicked her as she fell to the ground.

“You then knelt on her chest, placed your hand around her neck, and applied pressure.”

Justice Jago said the woman tried to free herself unsuccessfully, and Woods continued to apply pressure.

“You had your hand around her neck for approximately two minutes, and she experienced difficulty in breathing.

“She was very scared and believed she might die.”

Supreme Court Justice Tamara Jago. Picture: Supplied.

Things then calmed down, and the pair fell asleep in the apartment.

Justice Jago said Woods became agitated when the woman tried to leave the following morning.

“You picked up a wooden pole, which had a screw in the end of it.

“You hit the complainant to the head with the pole. It caused her head to bleed.”

The woman eventually left after another person came to the unit.

Woods was arrested on October 7, 2022, after the incident was reported to police.

“You participated in a record of interview but essentially denied assaulting the complainant,” Justice Jago said.

“You were placed in custody whilst further inquiries were pursued. Whilst in the cells, you became agitated and kicked the toilet causing the cistern to break from the mounts.

“You then pulled parts of the cistern apart, leaving it irreparable.”

Justice Jago said Woods had “a long history of criminal offending which reflects a long-term drug addiction” and that he has ADHD, bipolar and an intellectual disability.