Punched for AVO request

A GOLD Coast man punched his partner in the face because she told him she was going to take out a domestic violence order against him.

The man yesterday tearfully hugged his partner – the same woman he had beaten – in the Southport Magistrates Court after Magistrate John Costanzo sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

The 31-year-old tradie, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be eligible for parole on November 29.

“If you don’t learn to keep your hands to yourself … you are going to throw your life down the toilet,” Mr Costanzo said.

A domestic violence order is now in place between the pair. It orders the man to be on good behaviour towards her and he can only live at her premises if she gives him permission.

He pleaded guilty to five charges including assault occasioning bodily harm, three counts of possessing a dangerous drug and possessing utensil or pipes related to drugs.

Police prosecutor Christopher Freeman said the woman had been driving the man through Surfers Paradise on August 7 last year when she told him she wanted to get a domestic violence order.

“The defendant was enraged by her intentions,” Mr Freeman said.

“With a closed fist he punched her in the left cheek.”

Mr Freeman said police found a small amount of the drug ice, ecstasy and Rohypnol when they raided the man’s Carrara home on March 9.

Defence lawyer Chris Hannay, of Hannay Lawyers, told the court the man had been seeking counselling to deal with psychological issues.

Mr Costanzo ordered convictions be recorded.