A man has been charged after allegedly throwing a screwdriver that lodged in another man’s right eye during an argument at South Kempsey.
Robert Van Lawick, 35, appeared by video link from custody before Judge K Jurd in the Bail Division on Sunday.
Police allege Van Lawick and a 34-year-old man, who were known to each other, were arguing at a home on Teague Drive on Friday evening when he threw the screwdriver before leaving the property.
Emergency services were called just after 6.30pm.
Paramedics treated the injured man before taking him to Port Macquarie Base Hospital in a stable condition.
He was later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
Police arrested Van Lawick at the same property about 3.30pm on Saturday and charged him with reckless grievous bodily harm, recorded as a domestic violence offence.
Bail conditions ban return to Kempsey
Judge Jurd granted Van Lawick bail on conditions requiring him to live at an approved address and remain home unless accompanied by one of two nominated people.
He must comply with police checks at the home and cannot enter Kempsey except to attend court.
He is also prohibited from approaching or contacting the person named in the bail order or any prosecution witness, except through a lawyer.
His case is next listed at Kempsey Local Court on September 24.