A Goonellabah DV offender with convictions dating back to 2017 has been refused bail over an alleged attack on a former partner.
Trey Copeland, 26, appeared in custody before Judge L Robinson in Bail Division on Wednesday.
Copeland’s most recent sentence included a 12-month non-parole period for domestic violence offences involving a different former partner.
His parole ended in March.
He had also received an intensive correction order for domestic violence offending in 2021.
Woman allegedly punched and struck with a bottle
The court heard the four-month relationship had just ended and a meeting was arranged for about 1am on Wednesday so Copeland could collect his belongings.
When Copeland failed to arrive, the woman left. He allegedly called out to her nearby soon afterwards.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Safari submitted Copeland had “deliberately confronted and chased his former partner” before allegedly assaulting her and causing injuries.
Judge Robinson said Copeland allegedly punched the woman in the head, dragged her by the hair, struck her with a bottle and threw milk over her.
Police arrived a short time later and allegedly found Copeland nearby with methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Sergeant Safari described the prosecution case as strong, pointing to police observations, photographs of the woman’s injuries, triple-zero calls and her recorded police interview shortly after the incident.
Prisonment would be “almost inevitable” if convicted
Defence lawyer Sally McPherson conceded that, if accepted at their highest, the allegations described a serious assault.
Ms McPherson said Copeland disputed parts of the allegations and could plead not guilty to some charges.
She proposed strict conditions including no contact with the woman, a curfew, police reporting and an exclusion zone around her home.
Judge Robinson acknowledged the conditions were onerous but found they could not confidently ensure the woman’s safety.
The judge described the incident presented in the police account as a “vicious attack” and said full-time imprisonment would be “almost inevitable” if Copeland were convicted.
Judge refuses bail
Although there was no suggestion Copeland would fail to attend court, Judge Robinson found the risks that he could commit a serious offence or endanger the woman could not be adequately addressed.
Copeland is charged with stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical or other harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
The three charges involving the woman are classified as domestic violence offences.
Copeland will remain in custody and appear by audiovisual link in Lismore Local Court on August 24.
The latest allegations have not been determined.
The penalties for such offenses needs a complete overhaul. Currently they are way too lenient with bail being granted in so many cases when it should not be
The incidents of reoffending whilst on bail is staggering.