Man must avoid town

Woman in serious condition after alleged attack with guitar

A MAN accused of smashing a guitar over a woman’s head has been ordered to avoid a third of the people in the Tableland town where he lives.

Thomas Merrin, 51, appeared in Mareeba Magistrates Court yesterday charged with grievous bodily harm after he allegedly struck Imogen Wilson, 38, with the instrument at Innot Hot Springs.

The alleged incident took place on August 29, but her health has deteriorated since and she is in Cairns Hospital in a serious condition.

Mr Merrin was granted bail by magistrate Richard Lehmann under the proviso he have no contact with her or any of the 13 eyewitnesses to the alleged incident.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Karen Highes said the incident occurred in a “small town of 40 persons”, but Mr Lehmann said he could not have contact with any of the eyewitnesses.

He said there was a risk that Mr Merrin could interfere with the witnesses, but there were things he could do to ensure that wouldn’t happen.

“He’ll just have to do his shopping and get fuel somewhere else, even if that means he’s got to drive an hour away,” he said.

Mr Lehmann said although the allegations were for a “serious offence”, Mr Merrin had no record of similar offences before the court.

Ms Wilson was initially taken to Atherton Hospital on September 12, but then moved to Cairns.

Sgt Highes asked for the matter to be adjourned so a brief of evidence could be prepared. The matter will be next before court on November 16.