Attacker dragged partner by hair

A HORRIFIC drunken attack in which a man with a previous conviction for attempted murder assaulted his partner and then dragged her through the street by her hair has been detailed in court.

Gavin James Woolla, 35, pleaded guilty in the Cairns District Court on Friday to three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, in addition to going armed so as to cause fear, threatening violence in the night, and two counts of unlawful assembly.

Crown prosecutor Christian Peters described Woolla’s “vicious and unprovoked” attack on his partner on October 17, 2020, in Aurukun, in which he punched her, bit her on the cheek, then grabbed her by the hair and dragged her down the street.

Later that night, Woolla was seen walking around Aurukun armed with a bow and arrow, which he pointed at a member of the community and caused them to flee, the court heard.

Mr Peters said the following day, in the afternoon, Woolla was part of an assembly of about 50 people and was seen involved in fist fighting with others.

On October 19, Woolla’s partner attended the health clinic in Aurukun and he was arrested later that day.

The court heard Woolla had a serious criminal history, which included a conviction for attempted murder in 2011.

Defence barrister James Sheridan said the circumstances of his client’s offending were unfortunately unexceptional for Aurukun.

Mr Sheridan said Woolla had instructed he had drunk a 40-ounce bottle of rum and some wine on the day and was “thoroughly drunk”, adding though that was “no excuse”.

The court was told Woolla would be seeking to gain employment as a ranger near Aurukun upon his release from custody.

Judge Julie Dick SC said it was clear to everyone, including Woolla, why he had acted the way he did.

“You turn into a very unpleasant person when you drink too much,” she said.

Woolla received a threeyear prison term, with an immediate parole release date, taking into account 378 days served in pre-sentence custody.