Man to ring in New Year from a prison cell

A TOOWOOMBA man will ring in the New Year from a prison cell after being denied bail on charges of assaulting his ex-partner’s new boyfriend.

Peter William Eather is accused by police of travelling to Oakey at the weekend and gaining access to his ex-partner’s home.

Police claim he stood over the couple as they lay in bed then assaulted the man with a piece of timber, striking him up to 15 times in the head leaving the complainant with a bleeding scalp.

The 31-year-old initially appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday but his case was adjourned over to yesterday with further charges pending.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Catherine Nielsen told the court police had obtained a further witness statement to the alleged incident but could not obtain a statement from the complainant as he had been returned to hospital for treatment to injuries he allegedly sustained in the incident.

Police objected to bail on the grounds of the violent nature of the incident, that a weapon had been used and that the incident occurred in front of children, she said.

Duty solicitor Shane MacDonald told the court his client maintained that he was set up and that he had been set upon by the complainant when he went to the front door of the residence.

His client’s father and sister were in court supporting him, he said.

His client would abide by all bail conditions, Mr MacDonald said.

However, Acting Magistrate Roger Stark noted the charges were being contested but said the allegations were “extremely serious” and that the police case appeared strong.

Mr Stark refused bail and remanded Eather in custody with the case adjourned for committal mention back in the same court on February 21 at which time his appearance would be excused.