A man charged with falsely imprisoning a woman, causing her injuries, remains behind bars after police said they had strong concerns for the victim’s safety.
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Benjamin Hodge, 34, was refused bail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday due to the alleged violence and dominance over the woman.
Detective Senior Constable Alanna McDonald told the court on November 24 the victim returned to her home when the accused confronted her.
She said the accused grabbed her by the arm and took her outside where she stood at the top of the stairs and the accused tried to push her down.
Police allege Hodge told the victim he would take her out to the bush and kill her.
The victim ran to a neighbour’s house where emergency services were alerted, Detective Senior Constable McDonald said.
She said neighbours had said the woman had been held against her own will at the house.
Days later, a full family violence intervention order was made against Hodge, however the victim successfully applied to have that order varied to a limited order so she could contact him.
Detective Senior Constable McDonald said between December 28 and January 9, when the full intervention order was in place, Hodge wrote 14 letters to the victim which asked her to withdraw her statement.
She said on December 11, the accused and the victim arrived at the Daylesford Police Station when police questioned whether they were allowed to be together.
During their conversation, Hodge allegedly told them the order had been varied and made demands they rescind the victim’s statement. “I will be back twice a day until you rescind the order,” Hodge told police.
“I have strong concerns for (the victim) if he is released,” Detective Senior Constable McDonald said.
“There are no conditions that can be imposed that will eliminate our concerns for the victim.”
Hodge’s defence lawyer said her client had spent 67 days in pre-sentence detention, had no prior convictions related to the victim, had employment and accommodation and was no longer addicted to the drug ice.
In refusing bail, magistrate Gregory Robinson said the victim was subjected to violence and domination and he shared the same concerns as police.