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A SEBASTOPOL man allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face, threw food at her and stomped on her hands after dragging her to the ground, a court has heard.
Paul McDonald, 30, was refused bail yesterday after he appeared in the dock of Ballarat Magistrates Court wearing a blue T-shirt bearing the phrase “bad boy” across the front.
The court heard that an argument unfolded between McDonald and his partner of seven years on Sunday afternoon, allegedly starting over the way clothing was being hung up to dry.
Ballarat Constable Simon McCarthy gave evidence, saying McDonald turned violent, grabbing his partner’s throat and throwing her to the ground before pointing a kitchen knife at her brother, who was also present.
When she later began packing her bags, the Sebastopol man accused her of having an affair, police said.
“You have been cheating on me while I was in jail,” McDonald allegedly said.
Constable McCarthy said McDonald then started punching the woman, who is also the mother of his two children.
He said McDonald kicked her in the face before grabbing her hair and dragging her along concrete outside.
“The accused has then thrown food items at the victim before stomping on her left hand,” he said.
“The victim was crying on the ground.”
Constable McCarthy said McDonald had been charged over a similar incident three weeks ago, and had four prior convictions for breaching an intervention order.
But when cross examined by defence lawyer Scott Belcher, Constable McCarthy admitted McDonald had given a completely different version of events.
He said McDonald said he was the victim, and that his partner had started the fight and had punched him in the genitals.
Mr Belcher said his client would contest the charges.
Magistrate Peter Couzens took little time to refuse bail, noting McDonald’s lengthy criminal history.
Upon being remanded in custody, McDonald stood up to argue his case.
“I’m a victim in this, look at this,” he said, pulling down the collar of his T-shirt and pointing to his chest.
“I have injuries to me, I wasn’t the aggressor in this and yet I get to go to jail.”
McDonald is facing five charges including intentionally causing injury, contravening a family violence intervention order and assault by kicking.
He is due back in court on October 22.