Drug-fuelled attack claim
A GEELONG man alleged to have dragged a woman by her hair and pelted her with nails, a pallet and ceramic mugs in a drug-fuelled rage, has been denied bail.
Chris Cornwill, 31, jumped a fence at the woman’s home on September 15 to demand money, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday.
When the women tried to have another person at the home call police, Mr Cornwill snatched the phone and then stole the woman’s car and credit card, the court heard.
It was alleged he was a daily ice user when he was arrested on September 15 and had a prior conviction for possessing a firearm.
In an earlier episode of intimidation on July 4, Mr Cornwill scaled the roof of the woman’s home to damage two CCTV cameras, the court was told.
The court heard police believe he was behind about 60 phone calls to the woman from a private number in a 17hour period spanning July 3 and 4.
Police informant Stephen Carter said Mr Cornwill dragged the woman during a scuffle on September 15.
“He grabbed her by the hair as she tried to get away,” Detective Carter said.
“He continues to revert to violence when he doesn’t get his way.
“The victim in this matter is quite distraught and fearful. She is in fear if the accused is granted bail.”
Following the incident the woman was left with cuts and bruises to her hands and feet.
Detective Carter said Mr Cornwill pulled the handbrake of a car while the woman was driving along Anakie Rd, Lovely Banks on July 21.
Later he threw a glass cup at the car’s windscreen, shattering it, and stole the woman’s handbag.
Lawyer Stephanie Mawby said her client was not a trespasser at the property on September 15, and phone records had not linked him to the July 3 and July 4 calls.
“Strict bail conditions could ameliorate the risk to a suitable level. There are real issues in relation to the charges,” Ms Mawby said.
She proposed Mr Cornwill be bailed to his mother’s house in Breakwater.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie, who denied bail, said the address was not suitable because a 10-year-old child lived there, and the man’s mother would not be able to control her son.
“The (alleged) assaults against the victim, whether he had permission to be there or not, are serious,” Ms McGarvie said.
“I am not satisfied that bail conditions would reduce the risk to the safety of the alleged victim.”
Mr Cornwill is charged with using a carriage service to harass, property damage, recklessly causing injury, assault, trespassing and drug possession.