Court told of horror assault on a woman

A BELMONT man has fronted court accused of a horrific assault on a woman and pleaded for bail to keep his new job building timber trusses.

But Michael Walters’ efforts to represent himself in court fell flat.

“Seriously, Mr Walters. I don’t want to say it’s the worst bail application I’ve ever heard, but it’s getting pretty close,” magistrate Michael Coghlan said.

The magistrate noted police had alleged the man tormented his victim for a protracted period, held her captive, punched her, held a knife to her throat, and threatened to kill her.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable David Vanderpol outlined allegations of a fivehour ordeal the victim was subjected to on Saturday. It was also claimed the man told her he would cut one of her children’s fingers off. The court heard the man was arrested at work on Tuesday.

Mr Coghlan heard the man had a history of breaching court orders in Tasmania. The Supreme Court of Tasmania also has an outstanding warrant for the applicant’s arrest on theft matters.

Sen-Constable Vanderpol said the fact he had not answered the warrant added to police concerns Walters would flee Victoria if granted bail.

The prosecutor also made sure Mr Coghlan was aware Walters had an upcoming court appearance over an alleged assault at North Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel.

Walters said a friend in Newtown was willing to provide him with accommodation if granted bail, and said he had a new job to maintain.

But there was no one in the courtroom to support his claims.

Mr Coghlan said his application for bail had been a “waste of time”.

Walters will return to court February 21.