Toowoomba man Nicholas Maker jailed for partner assault at Red Edge shops
A former cabinet-maker claimed he was “unable to control himself” in a brutal attack on his partner, undeterred by the watching eyes of shop staff.
A Toowoomba man, who enacted a brutal attack on his partner over days, left her scared to return home.
Nicholas Stephen Maker, 45, pleaded guilty before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 5 to a slew of domestic violence, drug and other lesser offences.
The court was told Maker and his partner drew the attention of police in December of 2024 when neighbours reported the pair throwing punches outside a Newtown address.
Police arrived to find Maker’s partner bloodstained, with swelling to her face.
Officers claimed Maker was drug affected, describing his movements as jerky and unnatural.
“During the incident the defendant continued to use foul language and scream at the female,” police prosecutor Ms Stephens said.
“Police moved towards the defendant to handcuff him due to his erratic behaviour where he shaped up and took a fighting stance.”
Ms Stephens advised officers were eventually able to subdue Maker; however, were required to use tactical action when guiding him into the police vehicle.
Almost one year later, in September 2025, Maker was again caught violently assaulting his partner.
The court was told the attack took place at a tobacconist at Red Edge Shopping Centre where Maker was seen by staff punching the woman in the back of the head.
“(The woman reported) out of nowhere he punched her in the back of the head for unknown reason,” Ms Stephens said.
“The female advised she was too scared to go back home and she was fearful the male would continue to beat her.”
Ms Stephens said the woman advised they had argued earlier in the day, with Maker demanding she leave her own home and punching her in the mouth.
The woman told police Maker’s brutal behaviour began two days earlier where he jabbed at her with shoes on his hands, striking her head and leaving bruises.
“She believed drug use contributed to his aggressive and violent behaviour towards her,” Ms Stephens said.
Solicitor Nathan Bouchier said Maker had come from a very disadvantaged background.
“He had quite a sad story,” Mr Bouchier said.
“(At times) he was essentially fending for himself.
“Despite that, he managed to get himself a job as a cabinet maker, but when he was 17 he was involved in a serious workplace incident.
“It led to some serious pain issues … he turned to harder drugs to deal with the pain.”
Mr Bouchier said Maker had continued to struggle with drug addiction but had previously engaged well with parole and continued to attend counselling.
“He and his partner, the complainant, had gone through some pretty stressful circumstances,” Mr Bouchier said.
“The defendant had in fact used some drugs on the Saturday before these offences occurred and he instructs that the complainant had been trying to get him to supply her drugs and he wouldn’t do it.
“That is how the first argument came about.
“(Regarding the second incident) he really has no particular explanation for that, it seems there was some argument that occurred in relation to what sort of vape they were going to purchase.
“He became frustrated and wasn’t able to control himself.
“He is remorseful for his conduct, it seems to be somewhat out of character for him.”
Magistrate Kay Ryan condemned Maker’s actions towards his partner.
“This sort of behaviour is not acceptable anywhere or anytime,” she said.
Maker was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with 88 days of pre-sentence custody declared as time served.
He was granted parole on December 8, 2025.
More Coverage
Originally published as Toowoomba man Nicholas Maker jailed for partner assault at Red Edge shops
