Terrifying domestic violence assault

A TOOWOOMBA man who subjected his family to a violent and terrifying episode was sentenced to 12 months probation and 40 hours of community service.

A court was told Matthew Joel Marshall was arrested and charged in the very early hours of Tuesday morning, March 21, for assaulting his brother and leading police on a foot chase through the streets of Glenvale.

Police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb said an extremely intoxicated Marshall arrived home at midnight and began yelling from the street that he was drunk and someone had stolen his money.

After waking his mother and brother, Mr BrewsterWebb said Marshall began ranting incoherently, which included threatening to kill his ex-partner, her mother, and him looking for petrol to burn their house to the ground.

Mr Brewster-Webb said the 24-year-old then turned his sights on his brother, threatening to stab him, before leaving to rummage around in the kitchen draws.

The man’s younger brother fled into the backyard, but after Marshall began trashing the house and punching several holes in the walls, his mother told his brother to run.

When police arrived Mr Brewster-Webb said a chase ensued on foot which resulted in Marshall trespassing through a number of properties and refusing to stop.

Acting magistrate Andy Cridland said it was very concerning behaviour and placed Marshall on a 12-month probation order in order to assist with substance abuse problems.

The unemployed man was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to common assault, trespassing, wilful damage, and four charges of obstructing police.

No conviction was recorded.