Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday heard Richard Michael Churchill and partner Rebecca Rene Raine assaulted a neighbouring couple around 12.40pm. 

Sergeant Rohan Scott alleged Mr Churchill and Ms Raine had argued with the couple several times during the day over prescription drugs. 

Sergeant Scott told the court the fight had escalated and alleged Mr Churchill had assaulted the male victim while Ms Raine assaulted the female victim. 

Sergeant Scott alleged Mr Churchill attacked the male victim with a steel biro and made “direct threats to the victim to... stab his eyes”. 

He told the court blood allegedly found on Mr Churchill’s shoes and clothes would be forensically tested. 

Sergeant Scott said the attack had left the alleged male victim with a lacerated neck but said Mr Churchill had said he was not involved. 

“At this stage he denies involvement,” Sergeant Scott said. 

Magistrate Ian Watkins asked, “So he denies being present at all?” to which Sergeant Scott replied “That’s correct”. 

Mr Churchill has been charged with 11 counts of intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and threats to inflict serious injury. 

Sergeant Scott said the alleged assaults had occurred simultaneously and said one victim had only spoken to police once assured the alleged offenders had been arrested. 

He said Mr Churchill had been arrested in the street. 

“The nature of the Triple 0 calls were highly alarming,” he said. 

“On police arrival both victims were in extreme duress. 

“There’s been an ongoing underlying issue between the two parties.”

Prosecutor Sergeant David Somerton asked if Mr Churchill had a drug problem. Sergeant Scott replied: “The accused denies he has an issue and states that’s not a problem.”

Sergeant Scott showed Mr Watkins picture of the alleged crime scene and victims, and said the female had “significant facial injuries” while the male refused treatment. 

In applying for bail, defence counsel Kate Youngson said Mr Churchill had denied involvement. 

She said until tests were completed, there was no forensic evidence linking Mr Churchill to the assault. 

“He instructs that he did not go into the property that day ... he states he was at home in the house opposite packing a bag, preparing to go to Maryborough to visit some friends,” she said. 

“He was simply a bystander wondering what was happening.”

Ms Youngson said Mr Churchill had a house in Maryborough he could stay at while on bail. 

But Mr Watkins denied Mr Churchill bail. 

Ms Raine has also been charged with 11 counts of recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, unlawful assault and threatening to inflict serious injury. 

She did not apply for bail.

Both will face Castlemaine Magistrates Court on July 12.