Claims woman swamped by jail mail
GEELONG Regional Libraries has taken its Armchair Actors sessions online.
Today from 3.30pm, budding thespians will read from two short plays from the early 20th century: A Dollar, by David Pinski; and The War Brides, by Marion Wentworth.
Actors are provided with the script and a character part in advance, and while Armchair Actors is usually held “in person” in library branches, feedback about the Zoom sessions has been very positive.
Geelong Regional Libraries’ branches have now reopened but are operating on a reduced timetable until July 6.
In-person library events and programs remain suspended, but details of all online events (which include author talks and Story Time @ Home sessions) can be found at www.grlc.vic.gov.au/whats-on
A GEELONG man is accused of harassing a woman from behind bars by sending her almost 100 pages of letters.
Jarrod Keith Angus, 35, has been in custody since March when he was accused of choking and assaulting the woman during four separate incidents this year.
The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard Mr Angus had since been hit with a harassment charge after allegedly sending the woman a large number of letters from prison.
Mr Angus was refused bail yesterday after police stated the alleged victim was “absolutely terrified” of him being released from custody.
Senior-Constable Paul Harbert told the court the woman had not responded to any of the 96 pages of letters the man had allegedly sent to her.
“She’s absolutely terrified,” he said. “She’s absolutely petrified that if he gets bail, she will be at risk.”
It is alleged Mr Angus assaulted the woman on four separate occasions between February and March. Police allege that in one incident she was left with a possible broken nose after being punched, and had chunks of her hair cut out by Mr Angus on two other occasions.
Defence lawyer Jonathan Barreiro argued there were issues with the prosecution case, including a lack of evidence to support the woman’s claims she had been assaulted.
“There are a lot of problems with the charges,” he said.
Mr Barreiro said while the letters sent from prison were “regrettable”, Mr Angus’ risk could be managed by bail conditions, including living with a friend in Newcomb.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan, who refused bail, said the allegations were serious and he was concerned Mr Angus could interfere with the witness. Mr Angus will return to court next week.