A BENDIGO man who threatened his former partner and assaulted her boyfriend while on bail for child sex offences has been refused a second chance at freedom.
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Samuel Michael Joseph, 30, was remanded on a series of charges – including aggravated burglary, assault and criminal damage – in the Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday.
He unsuccessfully launched an appeal for bail, representing himself after receiving advice from a defence lawyer.
The court heard Joseph’s former partner had an intervention order banning him from attending her home.
But police informant Senior Constable Shannon Joyce said Joseph had been in and out of the home since March 2 despite repeatedly being told by his ex-partner to stay away.
“On Tuesday, March 6, the accused returned and banged on the front door. The victim asked him to leave,” Senior Constable Joyce said.
“He then smashed the bedroom window to gain access to the house.
“The victim’s boyfriend and her three children were all inside the house at the time.
“He threatened the victim with a piece of glass from the broken window and punched her boyfriend to the face.
“All three adults were wrestling on the floor in view of the three children – twins aged three and a nine-year-old girl – who were in the kitchen.”
Senior Constable Joyce said Joseph was found with a pocket knife when later arrested by police.
He said a Bendigo highway patrol unit had confiscated a mace-like weapon from Joseph the day before.
Magistrate Felicity Broughton slammed the violent act.
“You have shown scant regard for the orders of the court,” she said. “It is well known the adverse impact violence has on children.
“The case against you is very strong.”
Ms Broughton said she was also concerned about the sex offences involving a child Joseph had previously been on bail for.
Police opposed bail, labelling Joseph a flight risk and in danger of committing further offences.
But Joseph said he should be granted bail because he would never leave Bendigo and always attend court when required. “I think I am better off at work than in jail,” he said.
Ms Broughton refused bail, remanding him in custody until a committal mention in the Bendigo County Court on May 30.
